Casey Stratmeyer
The holidays have a way of reminding us what really matters: community, connection, and the simple joy of helping others. For many of us, it’s a season of abundance, but it’s also a season when we notice that not everyone is as fortunate. That’s why workplace giving can be so powerful, it’s a way for companies and employees to come together and make a real difference.
Lead With Purpose, Not Pressure
Giving should feel meaningful, not like a box to check. Your team will engage far more when they understand why your company supports certain causes, and how those efforts reflect the values your team shares.
One of the simplest ways to encourage giving is through donation matching. When a company matches even a modest employee gift, it doubles the impact and shows that generosity matters at every level. In fact, Blackbaud’s 13th Annual YourCause CSR Industry Review found that in 2024, employees donated an average of $744, and companies matched an average of $730 per employee. That’s real impact, and it’s proof that when companies show support, employees respond.
Give Employees Choice, And Make It Easy
Not everyone is inspired by the same cause. Some care about fighting hunger, others want to protect the environment, and some love supporting education or local shelters. The key is giving your team options and making participation simple.
At Dominion Payroll, for example, our Giving & Volunteering platform connects employees to trusted nonprofits, offers payroll deductions, and handles donations automatically. This makes giving effortless, and when giving is easy, more people participate.
But giving isn’t just about money. Workplace drives, for food, coats, toys, or school supplies, or volunteer days are another great way for employees to get involved. It’s hands-on, meaningful, and builds a sense of connection that can’t be measured in dollars alone. That connection matters: a Fidelity Charitable study found that 86% of employees want their employer’s values to align with their own, and 35% of Millennials and Gen Z workers say workplace giving programs influence whether they stay with a company.
Celebrate the Impact
Sharing stories of generosity matters. Highlight teams, individuals, or projects that made a difference, 
and show the tangible impact (dollars raised, hours volunteered, families supported). Celebrating success reinforces the feeling that what your team does really matters and keeps everyone inspired. It might even inspire others to get out there and volunteer or donate themselves!
It’s About Community
At its heart, workplace giving isn’t just about supporting nonprofits, it’s about creating a culture of care. It’s about employees feeling seen, valued, and connected to something bigger than themselves. By making giving meaningful, easy, and celebrated, companies can help their teams feel proud, inspired, and motivated to make a difference, not just during the holidays, but all year long.