As Giving Tuesday approaches, people and companies are looking for ways to make a meaningful impact through charitable giving. It’s a reminder of how powerful generosity can be when we come together for the causes closest to our hearts.
One often-overlooked opportunity is workplace giving programs. These programs amplify individual contributions while advancing climate action and social good. They also give companies a way to align purpose with practice, turning everyday generosity into lasting impact.
Whether through payroll deductions, corporate matching gifts, or volunteering, workplace giving lets employees support causes they care about while showing that the company is committed to values such as environmental protection, community impact, and social responsibility.
Workplace giving boosts engagement and retention
Workplace giving programs are more than just a nice perk. They’re a simple yet powerful way for companies to show employees, “We care about what matters to you.”
When employees see their organization supporting causes they care about, it doesn’t just make them feel valued; it boosts morale, strengthens job satisfaction, and fosters a sense of purpose at work.
This kind of support matters now more than ever. Earlier this year, Gallup reported that U.S. employee engagement has dropped to a 10-year low, highlighting just how much organizations need to rethink how they connect with their teams.
At the same time, Benevity’s 2025 Corporate Purpose Report shows that 88% of business leaders believe that purpose-driven initiatives, including giving and volunteering programs, are essential for future-proofing their organizations; impacting everything from talent acquisition and retention to customer relationships and regulatory readiness.
The numbers back this up. Employees who actively participate in giving and volunteering are 57% less likely to leave their jobs, according to Benevity. That kind of engagement translates into real benefits for companies: stronger retention of talent and skills, lower recruitment costs, and smoother business continuity.
In other words, workplace giving doesn’t just feel good, it’s a smart strategy that helps employees thrive while strengthening the business.
Purpose at work looks different for everyone
Every year Deloitte releases their Gen Z and Millennial survey, and in 2025, nearly nine in ten Gen Z (89%) and Millennial (92%) employees say having a sense of purpose is key to their job satisfaction and overall well-being. But purpose varies: some employees want to make a positive societal impact, while others seek skills or income that help them drive change outside work.
So, what does this mean for workplace giving programs? They are most effective when they’re meaningful – simply checking a box won’t cut it. Employees need to feel that programs truly reflect what matters to them. Great Place to Work Canada’s report The Business Case for Giving Back highlights that:
- 68% of Canadians would choose a job at a company with a stronger volunteering culture.
- 70% would be more loyal to a company that helps them contribute to social and environmental issues.
- 78% of Millennials want to work for a purposeful organization, and 69% would leave for one that is more purpose-driven.
Taking the time to ask employees what matters to them and adjusting programs accordingly can turn workplace giving into a truly valued part of your company culture.
Integrating climate-focused giving
Increasingly, workers, especially younger generations, are looking for ways to bring their whole selves to work – including their passion for climate action. Deloitte’s 2025 survey found that around half of Gen Zs (48%) and Millennials (47%) say they and their coworkers have put pressure on their employers to take action on protecting the environment.
If they don’t feel they can drive positive change in their organizations, some are ready to switch jobs or even industries to find a place that aligns with their values.
For organizations that prioritize sustainability or those considering how to integrate climate action into their operations, workplace giving programs are an impactful way to demonstrate their commitment.
Whether it’s by matching donations to environmental nonprofits, offering paid volunteer time for climate initiatives, or encouraging employees to support climate-focused organizations like the Academy for Sustainable Innovation (ASI), these efforts help align corporate values with employees’ passion for driving positive change.
Inspiring participation on Giving Tuesday
This Giving Tuesday, workplace leaders can take action by reminding their teams of the benefits and opportunities offered through workplace giving programs. Post a brief call to action in your team chat or virtual bulletin board to highlight how easy it is to participate and emphasize the impact these contributions can make. Sharing success stories, offering donation matches, or organizing a company-wide giving challenge can inspire collective action and boost participation.
Employees are often more motivated when they see their efforts multiplied through matching programs or when they feel part of a larger movement alongside their colleagues. Double the Donation research indicates that 84% of survey participants say they’re more likely to donate if a match is offered.
In a world where climate change, inequality, and social justice are front and centre, workplace giving programs offer a simple yet impactful way to channel energy toward positive change.
This Giving Tuesday, encourage your team to tap into these programs, support the causes they care about, and create a ripple effect of positive change.
