'Thank you' sometimes seem to be the hardest words...

I'm actually amazed at how often organisations forget to thank the people that give them their time. I speak as both a consultant that has helped organisations to work with volunteers and as a volunteer myself.

The most recent experience for me followed a year of volunteering for a charity, helping with its strategic development. I was brought in as a pro bono advisor, attending monthly meetings to provide advice and guidance on a wide range of issues pertinant to the building of their capacity. My contribution was modest but I think I made some difference and after a year I had to withdraw my support to focus on other things. When I notified the charity's chair and CEO, I received a 'thanks for letting us know' and that was it. No thank you phone call, let alone an email or certificate of appreciation!

Ok, so my contribution was small in the wider scheme of things, but the fact is I gave my time freely and that should at least warrant a proper thank you even if I didn't change their world in a big way.

And they're not the first. I've lost count over the years of the number of charities, big and small, that have asked me to speak at their event or attend a meeting to help them develop their project without offering any thanks . Yes I work in the not for profit sector, but I run a social enterprise and so time is literally money in my line of work - and a simple thank you to acknowledge your time, no matter how small, should be the least you can expect.

There is literally tons of research that shows how important volunteers rate being thanked for their time. The vast majority don't expect gifts or special parties, just a simple thank you is enough. But when this isn't forthcoming it can seriously put people off volunteering again - I know a certain charity I won't be helping again in a hurry.

So this Volunteers' Week remember that the smallest words can have the biggest impact so let's not forget to say thank you!

Ps don't forget #ThankQThursday!