Workplace Giving Gets a Makeover, According to New Report That Examines Digital and Generational Changes

WASHINGTON, D.C., February 25, 2013 /3BL Media/ - You might call it Workplace Giving, Version 2.0, according to a new trends report about the changes taking place for the once staid initiatives to connect employees to the non-profit sector. The report, released on this International Corporate Philanthropy Day, highlights how digital technology is allowing employees to get more involved than ever before.

America’s Charities Snapshot: Trends and Strategies to Engage Employees in Greater Giving also found that annual workplace giving campaigns are being transformed by younger workers with new ideas and the need for more engagement between employers and employees. This is America’s Charities third report in the last 13 years about the $3 billion dollars employees donate on the job each year to worthy non-profits.    

Nearly 100 companies participated in the survey of attitudes, perceptions, and practices within the private sector.  Participating companies employ more than 1.4 million people, represent more than 20 industry groups, and are geographically diverse. Collectively, they raise more than $230 million through traditional employee giving campaigns.

“We’re pleased to be able to present these findings on International Corporate Philanthropy Day, an international advocacy day intended to build awareness of corporate-community partnerships and to inspire businesses around the world to engage further. Our research goes a long way toward helping both the corporate and non-profit sectors find ways to capitalize on the digital transformation and engage employees in greater giving,” says Steve Delfin, President and CEO, America's Charities.

The trends identified in Snapshot highlight what will be important for the corporate and non-profit sectors to address in the years ahead:

• Companies and organizations are committed: They continue to recognize the benefits of a strong employee giving program with branded initiatives that offer choice and increase engagement.
• New engagement strategies: Employers are creating new giving models to involve and engage employees, particularly younger employees.
• Technology and digital culture: Technology and digital culture are transforming the employee giving experience.
• Paradigm shift at hand: A paradigm shift is taking place—a new model is emerging that empowers employees to participate in the giving experience inside and outside the walls of the workplace.

More encouraging news is that two-thirds of companies surveyed offer matching payroll contributions—a 58% increase since 2006. This is especially notable given the economic stress corporate America has been under since the financial collapse.

More than 80% of survey respondents agreed or strongly agreed that their company is committed to a strong program and that employee giving is still a priority.

The survey also found that giving has increased at a majority of companies but employee participation rates are down at nearly half of them. Experts say this is a sign that those who are already involved feel very comfortable but more needs to be done to get additional workers to that level. 

The full Trends report is available at: http://www.charities.org/news/Trends

America’s Charities (www.charities.org) is a mission-driven organization that connects public and private sector employers with charities to engage employees in greater giving.  As a national proponent for effective employee engagement programs, we help the nation’s most trusted charities thrive by generating sustainable income through workplace giving. Our goal is to inspire employers and individuals to reach their philanthropic goals and support the charities of their choice.