The Benefits of Using Instant Messaging in Volunteer Management Systems
So why is IM in volunteer management systems so crucial? Well, we use it daily in various formats, whether through text messaging, WhatsApp, or Instagram Direct Messaging; we're constantly chatting this way with each other. So much so it can be faster to convey a message with instant messaging than through a phone call discussion.
Anyone with a smartphone will typically use some form of instant messaging on a personal level. But what about on a professional level? It's more or less the same, with more than 70% of people in a professional setting using some type of instant messaging communication. The pandemic most likely was helping push these stats so high and will continue to do so as it's now a popular choice, but what are the benefits?
Accessibility and convenience
Instant messaging reaches a person across various devices. Also more importantly, on their preferred option for work, as long as they have the right application installed. That means there's no forced device-type usage. Volunteers can use what they want and get the messages that are critical to them.
Real-time communication in volunteer management systems
Instead of trying to reach someone by phone or having a person see and reply to an email, instant messaging gets everyone communicating immediately. It's not just about having an open conversation; it could be used as another channel to distribute important updates, reminders and announcements.
Enhanced coordination in volunteer management systems
Another area to consider is when you're working with volunteers who may be remote as well as working on multiple sites. Coordination via instant messaging means faster responses and more up-to-date information when possible. When you work with the right type of volunteer management software, enhanced coordination can go to the next level via auto-generated shift chatrooms.
These are chatrooms that sync up with people that are scheduled for an activity or event. It will generate a private chatroom for those people that have involvement. Giving them a dedicated space where volunteers can ask specific questions about the shift itself or share last-minute requests. Also provide updates about a venue, or simply support each other and build a thriving community and camaraderie amongst volunteers. This can help to support volunteer engagement strategies as well.
Better operational efficiencies and cost savings
The volunteer organization benefits a lot when it comes to time savings, equating to cost savings in the long run. It can help eliminate the need for a phone system completely. Cutting out lengthy and arduous email chains that many of us would like to forget. With a volunteer management app that has proper instant messaging features, decisions can happen faster, and you can reach clarity sooner.
It can also help as a record-keeping tool and documentation by archiving your communications for future reference. You can even add these chat logs as some form of approval that can be saved in the volunteer database to refer to later as well.
We're ready to help showcase how important instant messaging and other features of our volunteer management software are to run your volunteer organization smoothly.