'Altruistic Advantage': Why giving back to the community is good for your business

Young people impacted by cancer are up to six times more likely to face mental health issues like anxiety or depression than their peers. However, after just six months of support, almost two thirds of young people report improvements in their mental health and overall wellbeing.

That is why employees at healthcare company Viatris Australia identified Canteen as its principal charity partner to empower them in using their evidence-based approach to achieve the best outcomes for the young people and parents they support.

Giving back to the community is a core leadership value for Monica Passfield, human relations manager at healthcare company Viatris Australia, instilled by the community-focused culture at the company.

“Giving back to the community gives the gift of perspective, the view from another person’s situation, and helps keep us humble and thankful for what we have. Supporting charitable and community activities helps to strengthen the bond in the team and in the business. We love seeing people when they return from a volunteering opportunity, their smiles say it all,” says Passfield.

Viatris Australia committed to supporting four charities this year – Canteen (its principal partner), Lifeblood, RSPCA and R U OK? Day.

This support is through initiatives such as company matching programmes where they can support their communities through financial donations or by volunteering their time. Any employee donations to these charities are matched dollar for dollar by Viatris Australia which is capped at $5,000 per quarter. Employees are encouraged to participate in charity and community volunteering activities.

“Encouraging people across the business to give back to their local communities gives the individual a sense of purpose and a connection to their local areas and to the business. By allowing employees to take action on the issues that are important to them and fostering a sense of community in the business – it becomes a great place to work and a place where people are excited to jump out of bed in the morning,” she says.

Passfield says that by listening to the great ideas of people across the business and allowing them to support their communities through challenging times, it creates a person-centered business, where people are valued and celebrated for their lives at work and also outside of work.

“If you’re driven to live your life with purpose, staff are more dedicated individuals who respect one another and are more empathetic to people from all walks of life,” she adds.

Beside the community or charity benefits from the support, which is the best gift you can give and receive, Passfield says the biggest benefit they have seen in giving back is the camaraderie the company’s employees feel when they are out in the community.

“It’s not only a sense of achievement that they gain on a personal level, but seeing employees connect during a unique experience is pretty special. They not only feel connected to giving back but are connected to that experience and how we as a business have supported that, which also builds on our culture of family and togetherness,” she adds.