As Giving Tuesday approaches, companies and individuals alike are preparing to amplify their impact through charitable donations.
It’s a day where the spirit of generosity shines, and when people come together to support causes that matter to them. But there’s an often-overlooked opportunity that can supercharge Giving Tuesday donations while promoting climate action and social responsibility: workplace giving programs.
Workplace giving programs are powerful ways to maximize the effect of individual contributions. Whether it’s payroll deductions, corporate matching gifts, or volunteering time, these programs enable employees to support causes they care about and allow companies to show their commitment to values like environmental protection, climate action, and community impact.
It’s a simple yet powerful giving strategy that says to employees and clients, “Hey, we care about what matters to you!” Offering this kind of support not only boosts morale and job satisfaction—it also plays a big role in keeping employees around for the long haul.
In fact, the Fidelity Charitable 2022 report found that workplace giving programs can make a real difference in retention, especially for younger workers. A notable 35% of Millennial and Gen Z employees said workplace giving programs influence their decision to stay with their current job. Compare that to 16% of Baby Boomers and 22% of Gen X, and it’s clear: the younger generation is looking for more ways to make an impact through their work.
Aligning Corporate Values with Social Impact
It’s a strategy that businesses need to pay attention to, especially as social values become increasingly important. In fact, Benevity’s State of Corporate Purpose report points out that “2024 is shaping up to be a year in which companies will tie their social impact strategy back to the business’s core focus and corporate values.” In Canada, the newly launched Canadian Purpose Economy Project already has more than 125 CEOs committed to building a “Purpose Economy.” This signals that Canadian companies are starting to think about how to authentically integrate their values into every aspect of their operations – not just talk the talk, but walk the walk.
Workplace giving programs can really shape how employees feel about a company, so it’s worth putting in the effort to make them meaningful. Just checking a box won’t cut it. Employees have different needs and interests, so taking the time to ask for their input and making adjustments can turn these programs into something they truly value.
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 2024 survey found that around half of Gen Zs (54%) and Millennials (48%) say they and their coworkers want to see their employers take action on climate change. This trend has been growing since 2022, when 48% of Gen Zs and 43% of Millennials felt the same. 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.
