Tomago’s Opt Out system which helps them build their membership levels
From the Judges
“Good results from an approach proving worthwhile for organisations and workers. Good to see culture of giving implicit from first contact.”
Results + Features :
• Tomago’s Workplace Giving Program participation level increased to 72%, a 14% increase since moving to an opt-out approach
• Tomago has a strong culture of giving back to the community over the last 33 years. Just in the last 5 years, Tomago and their employees have donated over $2 million to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and over 100 Hunter-based charities that are chosen by their employees.
• Every new employee automatically becomes a member of the Tomago Workplace Giving Fund when they sign their employment contract, contributing $6 a fortnight (Trades) or $12 a month (staff) into the fund. All employees have the option to increase, decrease or opt out at any stage.
Overview + Highlights :
Tomago Aluminium is Australia’s largest aluminium smelter and has been operating 24 hours a day since 1983. The smelter produces 590,000 tonnes of aluminium every year, which is 37% of Australia’s primary aluminium.
During their onboarding training, new starters are shown a presentation which demonstrates the community support and their ‘culture of giving back’. Employees are informed about the monthly deduction from their salary and a company film is shared which demonstrates the impact of our Workplace Giving Program in our community.
Since the implementation of the opt-out system, the program has received positive feedback. All new starters were motivated and supportive of the program.
Adopting a default opt-in approach was a challenge for Tomago but having a strong culture of giving back, they ensured that every new person starting at Tomago understands the partnership, that the business has with local charities.
Tomago’s Workplace Giving Program was started by an onsite union delegate in 1986 and has continued to grow ever since.
