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Industry
Postal Service and Logistics
Summary
A shared value grants program, supporting important social issues with a clear connection to the organisations strategic goals.
Success Factors
Educating and empowering employees to nominate local passions with a refreshed focus on four community cause areas.
About Australia Post
Australia Post provides services to many Australians, and regularly visit over 12.7 million delivery points across the country. Playing an important role in community allows the postal and logistics business to deliver much more than parcels and letters.The Challenge
Australia Post recognised an opportunity to deepen its community engagement by empowering employees to support local organisations they care about. Initially launched in 2019, the People of Post Grants Program aimed to provide employees with the means to make a tangible difference in their communities. In 2024 after a strategic review, it became clear that the program needed to better align with Australia Post's strategic focus areas. Through this process, the challenges of employee engagement, education on new criteria, and simplifying the nomination-to-application process were also addressed.
The Solution
In 2024, the People of Post Grants Program was revamped to align with the organisation's four community focus areas: mental health, disaster support and resilience, Indigenous children's literacy & learning, and environment & sustainability. The grant maximum amount was doubled to $2,000 per approved application, and the nomination and application process was streamlined. This strategic initiative empowered employees to nominate local projects and causes they were passionate about, fostering a deeper sense of pride and involvement within the company. One participating employee shared, 'Participating in the People of Post Grants program has made me more proud of how Australia Post supports the community.'
The Results
The People of Post Grants Program yielded impressive results, with 152 applications approved in the 2024 grant round. Employee engagement soared, with 90% of surveyed participants reporting increased pride in working for Australia Post. Through PR activities, the program reached an audience of over half a million, significantly raising awareness of both the program and the community initiatives. In implementing the strategic focus areas, there was a marked improvement in the effectiveness of the program, heightening the shared value for both the business and the community.
