Workplace Giving

Many organisations, including major corporations with a big presence in Western Australia, encourage workplace giving.

While some CEOs endorse certain charities simply because they are personally interested in them or their activities, most corporations today want transparency and a connection back to the staff. Typically, this approach aligns their corporate giving and charitable programs very closely with their marketing strategy or HR program.

Companies in Australia are increasingly viewing corporate philanthropy as an integral part of business and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Most favour a multi-faceted approach, which is why programmed workplace giving may be strategically important.

In addition to encouraging and enabling staff to give money, some corporations have matching programs. They may also allow staff to have paid time off for volunteer work with their charity of choice.

Workplace giving may include salary sacrifice. This makes tax deductible contributions part of the regular pay cycle rather than just something that people think about only at the end of the financial year.

Research shows that the level of workplace giving is increasing again after falling during the Global Financial Crisis and that corporations are encouraging staff to become involved. Many support specific programs in arts and culture, community, conservation, education, health, indigenous or medical research.

Examples of corporations in Western Australia that encourage workplace giving

• BHP Billiton
• Rio Tinto
• Wesfarmers
• Woodside