EthicalJobs.com.au surveyed human resource managers and executives at more than 60 Australian non-profit organisations including charities, industry bodies and non-profit organisations.

78 per cent of employers surveyed reported applications from people outside the not- for-profit sector willing to work for less in an equivalent position.

Of those employers:

• 56 per cent said applicants are willing to work for 10-20 per cent less;
• 19 per cent said applicants are willing to work for 20-30 per cent less; and
• 6 per cent said applicants are willing to work for more than 30 per cent less.

“Many people want more than a paycheck and a parking spot – they want an ‘ethical job’ and non-profits seem to be the big winners,” EthicalJobs.com.au founder Michael Cebon said.

“Increasingly people are willing to put things they believe in above money. And making the world a better place is as strong a motivation as you’ll find. This is good news for the non-profit sector and for any employer offering meaningful jobs which are seen as ethical.

“This survey shows that people are willing to put their money where their mouth is. We know that increasing numbers of people are thinking long-term about the world around them and the part they can play in helping secure that future. But this survey proves that they’re also increasingly willing to act on their concerns by taking a pay cut to make a difference.”