Workplace Giving ‘Engagement’ Report

New research suggests a positive correlation between employees’ participation in workplace giving and their attitude towards their employer.

The report ‘Engagement-Recognising the Value of Workplace Giving’ by the Australian Charities Fund (ACF) and the Centre for Social Impact, uses data from 4100 survey respondents from over 30 companies.

Those who labelled themselves ‘interested’ in workplace giving had a more positive perception towards their employer than those who said they had no interest.

“The research shows the people who do the giving are simply more engaged, more motivated, and prouder of their employer,” CEO of the ACF Ted Kerr said.

While 61% said they were ‘interested’ in workplace giving, 5% indicated no interest. 34% of respondents took part in their employer’s workplace giving program.

“These findings suggest significant, untapped, potential in the majority of employees not currently participating in a workplace giving program”, the report said.

Workplace givers were more likely to say it was important for them work for an organisation highly involved in the community and agree their organisation’s community engagement program enhanced company reputation.

While the study shows a correlation, it did not attempt to establish a causative relationship between the two factors.

Respondents were sourced from both the private and public sectors, including major corporates Westpac, Telstra, Microsoft, BP Australia and JB Hi-Fi.

CEOs interviewed as part of the study highlighted employee engagement as their top objective for workplace giving.

“Workplace giving gives employees more meaning in their work. They are more willing to give effort to help employers succeed,” Kerr said.

A 2008 study by Kenexa Research Institute showed a seven times greater five year total shareholder returns for employers with highly engaged employees.

“We hope the findings stimulate debate about recognising the clear value of workplace giving in the context of improving organisational outcomes,”Andrew Young, Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Social Impact said.

The report also showed that 8 million Australians were without access to a workplace giving program and only 5% of employees that did were actively involved.

“These finding suggest significant untapped potential in the majority of employees not currently participating in a workplace giving program.”