Charitable giving by Britain’s largest listed companies over the past ten years has not kept pace...
As the leading organisation in Australia advocating for and achieving successful workplace-giving programs, Workplace Giving Australia has released donor research into the latest insights for employees, organisations and charities about corporate giving. To check the pulse of the workforce, Workplace Giving Australia surveyed employees from Australian businesses about their experiences and expectations for workplace giving to gain a more holistic understanding of emerging workforce trends and community expectations.
The study revealed that people care about causes and charities. It was revealed that 51% of respondents want to be involved in cause area selection. This means that just over half of the workforce is interested in the cause and has a genuine social concern. This creates a huge opportunity for employers to engage with staff and commence meaningful conversations.
Another major finding was that 51% of respondents stated that the most significant barrier to participating in workplace giving was 'lack of communication and understanding around the program’. Having invested in the base, organisations have a real opportunity to educate their employees about their workplace giving program and leverage this as a social engagement and talent retention opportunity.
It was also revealed that people crave an easy solution in this ever-complex world. The research highlights this, with giving simplicity topping the list of why someone would give within the workplace at 29%. There is a dual opportunity for workplaces to not only assist to simplify employees' lives in an ever-changing world, but, at the same time, build organisational culture and tap into communities that surround the business.
The 2024 research highlights five key insights, including:
1. Failing To Involve the Workforce Is a Failing Strategy
2. Workplace Giving Brings Company DNA Back to Life
3. Use The KISS Principle - Offer Simplicity in Giving
4. ESG? It's Time to Focus on the S
5. Volunteering: Dollar Match, Not Matchmaking
These findings provide a holistic understanding of emerging workforce trends and community expectations and an enhanced appreciation of the role of philanthropy in corporate Australia.
Workplace Giving Australia CEO David Mann says that: "As this most recent data shows, workplace giving is an essential part of corporate DNA. To just have a program in place is the bare minimum, and we know that employees and the wider community expect so much more. We encourage all stakeholders to dive into these critical findings, reflect, and adjust giving in the workplace to keep up with these new giving trends. Giving in the workplace is the smartest way to give, and we look forward to working with all Australian corporates to leverage their talent, communities and goodwill to make giving part of everyday life."
David goes on to say that engaging Australian workers to give through their place of work increases philanthropic giving, makes giving part of everyday life and supports communities within the workplace: "Harnessing the combined power of corporate philanthropy with the 13.8 million strong Australian workforce has the strength to change the landscape not only for charities but for the community more broadly while making better workplaces for the workforce".
View the analysis paper, key insights and actions, and infographics for use here.
