Industry
Retail
SUMMARY
JB Hi-Fi are 'Helping People with Better Ways to Live, Learn, Work and Play' and their workplace giving program 'Helping Hands' supports the most fundamental element of the purpose, “helping people”. JB Hi-Fi partner with 10 charities that support areas of the community that the team identifies as being of greatest importance. By building strong connections between the team, partners and those they support, JB Hi-Fi aims to create a greater sense of responsibility, and an environment in which helping becomes part of every day.
Success Factors
Initially, senior leadership drove the program to success in 2008. Now, JB Hi-Fi count employee surveys, dollar matching and raising the profile of the program through peer conversations and celebrated regularly through morning meetings and business communications as the main engagement drivers.
About JB Hi-Fi
JB Hi-Fi is a prominent Australian retailer with over 200 stores nationwide, dedicated to enriching lives through sustainable practices and community support.The Challenge
JB Hi-Fi, a prominent Australian retailer with over 200 stores nationwide, initially launched its workplace giving program in 2008, Helping Hands, with great success. JB Hi-Fi's program is focused, partnering with 10 charities that support areas of the community that the team identifies as being of greatest importance. However, as the company expanded and more interactions moved online, maintaining employee engagement and participation became increasingly challenging. The need to revitalise the program to keep it fresh, engaging, and aligned with the team’s values became evident.
The Solution
To address these challenges, JB Hi-Fi strategically revamped its Helping Hands program. The decision to overhaul the program stemmed from the desire to create a more dynamic and engaging initiative that resonated with employees. The company introduced new elements such as matched donations (occasionally double and even triple matching), various fundraising activities, and spotlighting the program across all business channels.
JB Hi-Fi recognised the importance of workplace giving in attracting new talent, as well as the importance of early promotion of the program to encourage new starters to join. In line with this, recruitment content was refreshed to reference the program, and new starters were able to hear from passionate team members were already part of the program.
JB Hi-Fi introduced the option for one-off giving at particular times throughout the year to capture those not able to give regularly or those in a position to give a little more to a specific cause. “Impact Sessions” was also introduced at the Support Office (presented by charities about the impact of our donations) with similar sessions running in each store area as part of state-based meetings.
The renewed focus on employee feedback, communication and leadership endorsement played a crucial role in reinvigorating the program.
The Results
The revitalised Helping Hands program has achieved remarkable outcomes, solidifying JB Hi-Fi's reputation for best practice workplace giving in Australia. The program boasts a 65% overall participation rate, with $3.4 million raised for charity partners in the last year. Additionally, 285 new members joined during Workplace Giving Month.
These metrics reflect the program's success in not only supporting charities but also enhancing employee engagement and fostering a stronger sense of community within the organisation.
Watch the video below which was shared with staff during Workplace Giving Month.
