Just under a third of charities say there has been an increase in staff burnout over the last year.
According to the National VCSE Data and Insights Observatory’s latest quarterly survey of charities, 30% said burnout and exhaustion has increased within their organisations over the last year.
Meanwhile, around a quarter of charities said reports from staff of low well being were on the rise and a similar proportion say staff sickness absence is increasing.
The rise in staff wellbeing concerns comes amid a rise in demand for charity support amid the cost-of-living crisis.
Three quarters (76%) of large charities have facing increased demand over the last three months, while the proportion rises to 78% among medium charities. Elsewhere, half of small charities have raised concerns over rising demand.
“For charities of all sizes, the combination of heightened demand, precarious finances and challenges recruiting volunteers and staff over the past year has taken its toll on the workforce,” according to think tank Pro Bono Economics and Nottingham Trent University, which has conducted the survey.
The survey also highlighted steps being taken by charities to alleviate pressure on their staff.
Just under nine in ten are offering flexible working options over the last year, while three in five are offering access to mental health support. In addition, just over a quarter are offering staff financial wellbeing awareness support.
Small and large charity divide
Researchers add that the gap between small charities and their large counterparts is increasing amid the cost-of-living crisis.
They say that large charities are better equipped to offer staff flexible options and increase their capacity to meet rising demand.
More than half of large charities believe they can meet demand, which is up on last year’s proportion of 44%.
Also, smaller charities are being hardest hit by a volunteer recruitment crisis across the sector, the survey found.
Six in ten small charities, with an annual income below £100,000 a year, rate volunteer recruitment as their main concern, compared to just over a quarter of medium sized charities and 15% of large charities.
In addition, the proportion of small charities reporting improved finances has fallen to 24% over the last year, while the proportion of medium and large charities reporting improvement has increased to 31% and 29% respectively.
📣 New research!
— Pro Bono Economics (@ProBonoEcon) October 25, 2023
Our latest VCSE Sector Barometer with @VCSEObservatory is a story of two sectors. Larger charities are increasing capacity to help meet demand, while small charities are being held back by a lack of volunteers🧵1/10
Read the full report: https://t.co/2DNAp3Xx9q
Pro Bono Economics chief executive Matt Whittaker said that charities' work supporting communities amid the Covid pandemic and cost of living crisis “has taken its toll” on their staff, capacity and finances.
“The overall position remains extremely challenging,” he said.
“And the pressure is being especially felt among small charities, with widespread concerns of dwindling volunteer numbers and precarious finances.
“With small charities forming the backbone of the UK’s social sector, it is important that policymakers, funders and firms recognise both the challenges at play and the benefits of stepping in to provide support and partnership for this crucial part of the country’s civil society.”
National VCSE Data and Insights Observatory director Daniel King added: “At the heart of charitable organisations are the people, and their wellbeing is of utmost importance. However, our research has brought to light the ongoing challenges faced by charities.
“It is clear that there is a pressing need to provide charities with information and guidance on how to promote the wellbeing of both their staff and volunteers.
“For the sector to not only survive but also thrive, it is imperative to make the wellbeing of staff and volunteers a fundamental pillar of the sector's sustainability.”
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