Blog

Is this the most underrated employee benefit ever?

Zest’s Marketplace partner, GoodPAYE, look at the benefits of Payroll Giving, whether it can be deemed as the most underrated employee benefit of all time and why it helps companies attract and retain talent.

HR leaders forever seek shiny new benefits to keep employees content, but 70% of UK employers have missed a fundamental tool that’s been staring them in the face for decades!

You see, sometimes boosting employee satisfaction, supporting their mental wellbeing, aligning benefits with company values and contributing to a positive workplace culture is so easy it can be overlooked.

Payroll giving ticks all those boxes, yet it’s been missed by most employers (despite being free and easier than ever to implement).

A Financial Wellbeing Benefit That Gives Back

Payroll giving allows employees to donate to charities directly from their salary, before tax. So, it makes giving to charity affordable and accessible for employees.

When financial anxiety and burnout are rising, payroll giving offers a unique blend of financial and emotional support. But it offers so much more than just financial efficiency.

Giving back has been shown to improve mental wellbeing, reduce stress and foster a sense of purpose.

Culture-Driven Companies Attract and Retain Talent

Employees want to work for companies that reflect their values. They’re asking: Does my employer care about the world? Do they support me in making a difference?

This is especially key to Gen Z and Millennials, who want their work to have meaning beyond a payslip.

By offering payroll giving, HR teams can create a culture of purpose and generosity overnight. It’s a simple way to show employees that your organisation cares about what employees care about.

A Strategic ESG Win

Payroll giving is a powerful tool for advancing your company’s social impact goals.

It can take your ESG strategy to another level, by providing measurable, transparent data on employee engagement with charitable causes. Which in turn, helps HR teams demonstrate real impact to stakeholders.

With payroll giving providers such as GoodPAYE, you can track participation, celebrate milestones and align employee charitable giving with your broader ESG commitments.

Full Control with Real Impact

One of the most powerful features of GoodPAYE is the flexibility and control it gives employers.

HR teams can:

Match employee donations to make an even bigger difference and boost engagement further among employees.
Highlight corporate charity partners, to reinforce your organisation’s social mission.
Run targeted campaigns around key dates or causes, creating moments of shared purpose across the business.

This level of control allows you to shape a giving culture that reflects your brand values, supports your ESG goals and deepens your relationships with employees and charity partners.

Transforming Giving at Work

GoodPAYE is revolutionising how charitable giving happens in the workplace.

The platform integrates seamlessly with payroll systems, offers employees access to any UK charity, and provides real-time insights into the difference they’re making.

Giving is easy, inclusive and impactful, so HR teams can build more engaged, purpose-driven workforces.