Since its establishment in 2008, JB Hi-Fi’s Helping Hands payroll giving program has become a cornerstone of the company’s community engagement strategy. Designed to provide team members with an easy, impactful way to give, the program has evolved into a deeply embedded part of JB’s culture. With strong organisational commitment and creative team engagement, Helping Hands has delivered meaningful outcomes for the team, the business, and its charity partners.
Commitment to Engagement and Growth
A key driver of Helping Hands’ success is JB’s dedication to building awareness and participation. From day one, JB demonstrated leadership with all senior executives getting behind Helping Hands and donating to the program. This helped establish a culture of giving that continues today. New employees are introduced to Helping Hands during onboarding via SmartRecruiters, live induction calls, and accessible resources such as QR codes and induction booklets. Regular updates through intranet platforms, Viva Engage, and newsletters keep the team engaged with the program.
This consistent focus has resulted in impressive participation rates: 74% of full-time, 70% of part-time, and nearly 50% of casual employees contribute. In 2024/25 alone, the program generated over $1.7 million in employee donations, fully matched by JB, resulting in more than $3.4 million in total contributions.
Shared Value for the Team, the Company, and Charities
For team members, Helping Hands provides a simple, transparent way to support causes they care about, chosen through regular team surveys. Long-term charity partnerships ensure stability, while creative campaigns—such as themed dress-up days and the innovative 50 Favours initiative—encourage the team to connect personally with partner organisations. Feedback shows that employees feel proud and motivated to contribute, with many describing the program as “heartwarming” and “meaningful.”
For JB Hi-Fi, the program continues to strengthen culture and team engagement, underpinning its position as one of Australia’s most trusted brands. When the team takes part in this program, it helps build retention and strengthens recruitment. A recent team member engagement survey resulted in 80% of team members indicating they would recommend JB as a great place to work.
Charity partners benefit from reliable, untied monthly funding enabling tangible impact, from providing safe accommodation for women and children to mentoring farmers in regenerative practices. The consistent, flexible funding empowers partners to plan with confidence and innovate in service delivery.
JB Hi-Fi’s Helping Hands payroll giving program links to its purpose and demonstrates how, team engagement, and community partnership can create shared value. By embedding giving into its culture, JB has built a program that not only transforms the lives of beneficiaries but also inspires and engages its people.
