August 4, 2026 - Blog Post

Why is it so hard to get people to volunteer nowadays?

Many boards and volunteer organizations are finding it harder and harder to get people to volunteer.  Fortunately, there are still a few people who stand up and offer their services and expertise. You know who they are.  It is often the same few people doing the majority of the work without much or any support from other owners year after year.  It is not uncommon for a few individuals to be board directors for years. Unfortunately, within today’s environment these people are starting to or are already suffering burn out and very few people are willing to replace them.  So, they soldier on with a very real possibility of harmful effects to themselves and potentially their corporations as they feel less able to fulfill their responsibilities.  It is not a good situation.  Condo Corporations, by their very nature, need volunteers to oversee the business of their corporation, whether it be as board directors or committee members.

So why is it so hard to get people to step up to the plate and offer their time and effort?  There isn't a single reason—it's the result of several societal and condominium-specific trends coming together.  Understanding why people hesitate to volunteer is the first step toward developing strategies to engage them.

1. People Have Less Discretionary Time

Many owners are balancing demanding careers, family responsibilities, caregiving, and other commitments.  Even retirees often have busy schedules with travel, hobbies, or volunteer work elsewhere.

When a board position is perceived as requiring monthly meetings, emails between meetings, emergency decisions, and years of commitment, many people conclude they simply don't have the time.

2. Volunteer Expectations Have Changed

Volunteerism hasn't disappeared—it has evolved.

Many people prefer:

• Short-term projects
• Flexible schedules
• Virtual participation
• Clear start and end dates
• Opportunities that match their skills

Traditional condominium boards often ask for a multi-year commitment with broad responsibilities, which doesn't align with how many people prefer to volunteer today.

3. Governance Has Become More Complex

Condominiums are far more complicated than they were twenty years ago.

Directors are expected to understand:

• Financial statements
• Reserve fund planning
• Insurance
• Contracts
• Privacy and cybersecurity
• Building systems
• Human resource issues
• Legislative requirements

Many owners worry they aren't qualified, even though they could learn with the right support.

4. Fear of Conflict

This is one of the biggest deterrents.

Directors may have to:

• Enforce unpopular rules
• Deal with complaints
• Resolve disputes between neighbours
• Make difficult financial decisions
• Deliver news about fee increases or special assessments

Many people simply don't want conflict with the people they see in the hallway every day.

5. Increased Scrutiny

Board decisions are often closely examined by owners.

Some directors feel that:

• Every decision is questioned.
• Mistakes are criticized publicly.
• Social media or community forums amplify disagreements.
• Their volunteer efforts go unrecognized.

When appreciation is low and criticism is high, volunteering becomes less attractive.

6. Perceived Personal Risk

Even when directors' and officers' insurance is in place, some owners worry about:

• Personal liability
• Making costly mistakes
• Legal disputes
• Being blamed for decisions

The perception of risk can discourage participation, regardless of the actual protections available.

7. Lack of Understanding

Many owners don't know what a condominium board actually does.

Some believe directors:

• Control everything.
• Spend all their time handling complaints.
• Need specialized legal or financial knowledge.

Others don't realize how much the board relies on professional managers, legal counsel, engineers, auditors, and other advisors.

Better education can reduce these misconceptions.  Better education is one of CCI-NS Chapter’s main functions.

8. Few Opportunities to Get Involved Gradually

In many corporations, the first invitation to participate is:

"Would you like to join the board?"

That's a big leap.

Organizations often have greater success when they first invite owners to:

• Join a committee
• Help organize an event
• Participate in a specific project
• Review communications
• Share professional expertise

These smaller roles build confidence and familiarity with the corporation's operations.

9. Residents Feel Less Connected

Many condominium communities have:

• More renters
• Higher resident turnover
• More people working from home or travelling
• Less interaction among neighbours

When people don't feel connected to their community, they're less likely to volunteer to help lead it.

10. Success Can Make Boards Invisible

Ironically, well-run condominiums sometimes struggle the most to recruit volunteers.

If the property is clean, finances are stable, and problems are handled efficiently, owners may assume:

"Everything is running fine—someone else has it covered."

The board's work becomes largely invisible, making it harder for owners to appreciate the need for new volunteers.

What Boards Can Do

Rather than asking, "Why won't anyone volunteer?", boards might ask:

• Have we clearly explained what directors actually do?
• Do we recognize volunteers and celebrate their contributions?
• Are we making participation flexible?
• Do we offer opportunities beyond board service?
• Are we creating a welcoming culture where people feel their contributions will be valued?

These questions shift the focus from blaming a lack of volunteers to designing an environment where volunteering is more appealing.

Final Thought

Volunteerism in condominium corporations hasn't disappeared—it has changed.  Today's owners are often willing to contribute, but they want meaningful roles, reasonable expectations, flexibility, and confidence that their efforts will make a positive difference.  Boards that adapt to these changing expectations are more likely to attract and retain the volunteers they need to build strong, resilient condominium communities.  In the next blog we’ll explore strategies boards can use to accommodate the changing landscape of volunteerism.

Michael Kennedy
CCI Nova Scotia