Latest research reveals workplace giving boosts employee pride and strengthens loyalty

The most comprehensive study into workplace givers in Australia reveals those who donate through a corporate giving schemes are more loyal and proud employees.

The study, Workplace Givers Revealed, provides new insight into the significant impact of workplace giving to boost company pride through workplace giving, said Good2Give CEO Lisa Grinham at the report’s release.

• 86% said “I’m proud to work here because of my workplace giving program.”
• 82% said “My company is more supportive of charities than other companies.”
• 78% said “My company is generous for matching my donations.”

“It’s time we tailored corporate giving programs to tap into this goodwill – as businesses but also as a society seeking to grow charitable support,” Grinham said.

“Companies are apprehensive about pressuring staff into charitable giving. And to a degree, so are charities who are often criticised for bombarding supporters. These concerns are valid, however they shouldn’t overshadow the fact that Australians really are community minded.”

What motivates employees to donate

Workplace givers who were recognised by their employer and who received thanks from their charity invariably made higher donations. Almost half were also willing to increase their donations if they were just asked.

What we found is that employees are after meaningful ways to connect with social causes, and they’re looking for employer and charity guidance on how to do so.

“When it comes to workplace giving, we need to build employer and charity confidence to promote giving in the workplace, and we need to get better at responding to their giving needs,” said Ms Grinham.

“This means sharing opportunities to participate, demonstrating solidarity through matching employee donations, offering wide charity choice, and regularly celebrating contributions.”

Recognise employee giving!

Workplace givers who were recognised by their employer and who received thanks from their charity invariably made higher donations. Almost half were also willing to increase their donations if they were just asked.

It’s important to note that despite an overwhelming interest to deepen charity engagement, a quarter of those surveyed had to actively seek out how to make pre-tax donations through their own initiative.

Some 83 per cent of survey participants were also completely unaware of their colleagues’ involvement in their company’s giving program. With senior leadership and peer involvement making employees feel supported, there is still great untapped opportunity for companies to make their corporate giving programs more rewarding and vibrant contributors to workplace culture.

Much needed charity support

“Let’s learn from these research findings. Let’s raise awareness of avenues to give, and let’s tap into the millions of Australians who want to give at work,” Ms Grinham commented.

“Critical funds are needed in our communities, and business needs to help bridge that gap.”

Download the full report and its findings here.