Industry
Energy
Summary
Origin Energy Foundation reengaged employees through their 'Give Time' volunteering program, that includes pro bono, fundraising, skilled and general volunteering opportunities seeing a significant increase in participation and community impact.
Success Factors
A diversified approach to giving activities, unlimited volunteer leave and a targeted communications strategy.
About Origin Energy Foundation
Origin Energy Foundation is a forward-thinking philanthropic organisation dedicated to solving problems through a blend of time, talent, and treasure. With a focus on education to break the cycle of disadvantage, and broader social issues, Origin Energy Foundation aims to make a significant impact on communities while enriching the lives of its employees.The Challenge
In 2023, Origin Energy Foundation faced a significant challenge in maintaining volunteer engagement due to the impacts of a potential acquisition. The uncertainty led to decreased participation and time constraints among employees, which threatened the success of their corporate volunteering program. With a strategy focused on community impact and employee enrichment, Origin Energy Foundation needed to re-engage its workforce and align volunteering opportunities with employee interests and partner needs.
The Solution
To address these challenges, Origin Energy Foundation dialled up advocacy and promotion of its Give Time Volunteering Program, which encourages employees to engage in impactful charity activities and offers unlimited paid volunteer leave. The program includes pro bono work, youth mentoring, STEM workshops in classrooms, and both skilled and general volunteering opportunities that provide support to the community where it is most needed. This diversified approach was designed to align with Origin’s values and the Foundation’s strategic focus on education. According to Tom Sheppard, Origin employee and volunteer youth mentor, 'Signing up as a mentor I initially felt a bit intimidated, but it ended up being such an incredible experience. It taught me lessons I can apply in my role as a corporate leader as well as a parent.' Volunteer endorsement, along with targeted communications and leadership support, helped to re-engage employees.
The Results
The reengagement of employees with the Give Time Volunteering Program led to remarkable results. Origin Energy Foundation saw a significant increase in volunteer participation, with 55.1% of employees participating in volunteering activities (instances) and 25.2% of employees participating (individuals). Overall, employees contributed 8,700 volunteer hours, making a substantial community impact by reaching 7,637 students. Stacey King, Head of Maths and Science at Mabel Park State School, noted, 'Our partnership with Origin Energy Foundation has shown students that anything is achievable. It has opened their eyes to a future of possibility.' Additionally, Frances Roebig, a Teacher at Newmarket State School, added, 'Partnerships between teachers and STEM experts inspire our students to aim high in STEM fields by providing role models who work in those areas.' These testimonials underscore the shared impact for both corporates and community organisations, highlighting the value of giving time and the positive outcomes of a well-structured corporate volunteering program.
