Did you know giving to others can trigger the same brain chemistry as falling in love? It’s why “helper’s high” is a real term, not just a nice turn of phrase. When we do something kind for someone else, our brain releases a cocktail of dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin, the same chemicals behind feelings of pleasure, trust and calm. Giving also blocks the stress hormone, cortisol. Neuroscientists have found that generous acts light up the brain’s reward centre in much the same way as receiving money does. In other words, giving feels good. If you give as a team, the effect compounds. Shared acts of generosity build oxytocin between the people involved, strengthening trust and a sense of belonging, which is exactly what workplaces need more of.

Australians are a generous bunch. Two-thirds of us donate money each year, ahead of the global average. But there’s a gap between how much we care and how easy we make it to act on that care. More than 60 per cent of large Australian workplaces have a giving program in place, yet only a small fraction of employees use it. The most common reason people cite is not knowing the program exists or how it works. 

“To just have a program in place is the bare minimum,” says Group Chief Executive Officer of Good2Give and Workplace Giving Australia, David Mann. “We know that employees and the wider community expect so much more.” Employees also want more say. Over half say they’d like to help choose the causes their workplace supports, rather than have it decided for them.

Giving back, one paw at a time

The Lost Dogs’ Home is a good example of what workplace giving looks like in practice. Teams can volunteer directly with the shelter, which, according to The Lost Dogs’ Home Community Fundraising and Events Lead Jessie Hayward, is rarely a hard sell. 

“It’s a great bonding experience for teams,” says Hayward. “People come in to donate their time and leave having done things like reading to the animals or making enrichment treats. It is a properly fun day out and it does the cats and dogs as much good as the humans.”

Last year, 19 businesses volunteered with The Lost Dogs’ Home. “People come in for a single corporate volunteering session and end up staying involved long after,” Hayward says. “Several have gone on to become foster carers for our dogs and cats and that’s the kind of ripple effect that we love to see.”

For businesses, corporate volunteering days at The Lost Dogs’ Home are one of the simplest, most tangible ways to give back as a team. But volunteering isn’t the only entry point. Teams can just as easily fundraise, make a direct donation, or organise a drive for blankets, food and toys the animals need every day.

“Giving in the workplace is the smartest way to give,” says David Mann. “Harnessing the combined power of corporate philanthropy with the 13.8-million-strong Australian workforce has the strength to change the landscape not only for charities but for the community more broadly, while making better workplaces for the workforce.”

Workplace giving – where to start:

Start small and direct

A simple, one-off donation drive, matched dollar-for-dollar by the business, is one of the easiest ways in.

Set up payroll giving

Regular, small pre-tax donations add up fast and cost employees very little per pay cycle.

Host something

A trivia night, a bake sale, a raffle. It doesn’t need to be elaborate to raise money and morale.

Give time, not just money

A team volunteering day builds the same connection as a fundraiser, and means everyone can contribute.

Let people choose

Where possible, offer a shortlist of causes rather than a single one. Ownership helps drive participation.

Match it

Employer-matched giving doubles the impact and signals the business is genuinely behind it.

For corporate volunteering opportunities with The Lost Dogs’ Home, visit: dogshome.com/corporate-volunteering. To donate or fundraise, visit: dogshome.com/support-us.