Delivering Impact through Business: Our Journey at Thankyou Payroll

At first glance, Thankyou Payroll may seem like your average fintech, but it doesn’t take much to uncover that we’re far more than that. As a social enterprise, we are committed to doing business differently – embedding impact into every layer of what we do.

We have had a significant year as we settled into our new steward ownership structure, operated a profitable business despite a challenging economic environment, and most importantly, stayed true to our purpose: making a positive difference for our customers, communities, and the planet.

A Year of Impact

This year, we’ve had the privilege of serving over 7,000 customers and processing 1.1 million payslips, managing an impressive $1.5 billion in annual payroll. These numbers represent more than just transactions – they reflect the trust our customers place in us, and that trust is something we never take for granted.

Our dedication to quality service is mirrored in the recent surge of Google reviews. We’re proud to say we’ve reached 210 reviews, with an incredible 4.9-star rating! Knowing that so many of our customers took the time to share their experiences means the world to us.

And just when we thought the year couldn’t get any better, we received the news that we are finalists for the 2Degrees Wellington Business Awards for Excellence in Service and Support! This recognition is a true testament to the passion and dedication of our Customer Support Team, whose unwavering commitment to our customers continues to inspire us every day.

We’re incredibly grateful to both our team and our customers alike!

David Holding our Award at the Finalist Awards event

Thankyou Payroll CEO, David Morrison at the Finalist Announcement

But the journey at Thankyou Payroll isn’t just about payroll – it’s about people, planet, and purpose. Here’s how we’ve continued to weave these values into every aspect of our business:

Our People: Flexibility, Wellbeing, and Growth

At Thankyou Payroll, creating a thriving and inclusive workplace has been a singular focus. We believe that when people feel connected and valued, they bring their best to work. Over the past year, we’ve continued to strengthen our culture through a variety of events and celebrations – from shared morning teas, marking cultural festivities like Chinese New Year, Matariki and Diwali, to raising awareness through initiatives such as Daffodil Day, Breast Cancer Awareness and Movember. We welcome every opportunity to bring our team together!

One highlight was our Culture Day, where everyone shared food unique to their heritage – it was an incredible opportunity to celebrate our diversity and learn more about each other.

Multicultural Shared Lunch we had in June

In addition to these events, we are proud to be on an evolving te ao Māori journey. As part of our commitment to being a Tiriti-affirming organisation, we’ve supported te reo Māori lessons across the team to build confidence and cultural competence. With ongoing guidance from Riki Consultancy, we are working to embed these practices into our everyday culture, fostering an inclusive environment grounded in the values of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Our commitment to culture extends beyond special events – it’s reflected in the way we care for our people every day. We offer flexible working arrangements, great benefits, and a collaborative environment where everyone’s input is valued. Regular shoutouts of appreciation are part of our routine because we believe recognition is key to a positive work environment.

At the heart of everything we do are our employees – without them, none of our success would be possible

Our Planet: Sustainability at the Heart of What We Do

Sustainability is an essential part of how we operate. We encourage our staff to use public transport and e-bikes, to reduce both our environmental footprint and theirs. Within our offices, we continue to actively promote sustainable waste reduction practices, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.

This year, we proudly planted 250 native trees in Belmont Regional Park, contributing to the restoration of the mauri of Te Awarua-o-Porirua. In addition, we were thrilled to take part in the Halo Project in Dunedin, where 12,400 native seedlings were planted at Heyward Point. Even more inspiring, 75% of these seedlings were planted by volunteers – proving what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose.

Our total emissions for the year came to 21.28 tCO2e – we offset 120% of these emissions by purchasing credits at French Pass in Marlborough through a partnership with EKOS. Every small action counts, and we remain committed to creating lasting environmental impact for future generations.

staff tree planting day collage

Clockwise from Left:
Dunedin tree planting at Heyward Point; Angeline and Alick at the tree planting event in Wellington’s Belmont Regional Park; Annelies, Jo, and Angeline with fellow volunteers at Belmont Park; and Dee contributing to tree planting efforts at Heyward Point.

Our Society: Supporting Charities and Social Causes

Giving back is in our DNA. As part of our mission, we offer our payroll service free of charge to registered charities.  We now support 800 charities across New Zealand, this equates to approximately 14% of our subscription revenue as services in kind. Whether through payroll donations or volunteering, we ensure that the causes we care about receive the support they need to thrive.

Our Business Model: A Legacy of Doing Good

We’re not just building a business; we’re creating a legacy. Our ownership model is transitioning from individual shareholders to a collective, community-owned structure through Generous Ventures. Eventually, 100% of our ownership will be held by Generous Ventures, and all profits will either fund philanthropic initiatives or support other businesses in creating sustainable legacies. Our model is designed for long-term impact, proving that business can be a powerful force for good.

Thank You for Being Part of the Journey

After 14 years in business, one thing is crystal clear: we couldn’t have done any of this without you. From our loyal customers to our dedicated staff, you’ve been a crucial part of our journey. Together, we’re proving that businesses can do more than just succeed – they can make a real difference.

And so, the only thing left to say is: Thank you (Payroll).