New research suggests tens of thousands of Australians could be missing out on paid leave to donate blood

A new survey by Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has found just one in eight employees know if they can donate blood or plasma on work time – suggesting tens of thousands could be missing out on paid leave to donate.

Almost half said they would consider donating on worktime, which could provide a vital boost after blood stocks fell to a 10-year low in recent weeks and Lifeblood issued a critical call for 16,000 donations. 

Major employers in banking and financial services, government, retail and the technology industry offer volunteer leave that can be used for blood donation, while around 78% of Australian companies have a volunteering program.

Lifeblood Research Fellow Dr Kathleen Chell said only 1 in 30 Australians donate regularly, and the single biggest reason consistently given is lack of time.

“One third of Australians report feeling rushed or pressed for time regularly*, and donating during work hours can remove time as a barrier, but our research shows widespread confusion about if it’s ok to donate in work time.”

“If even a third of those with access to donation leave used it once or twice a year, this could make a huge difference to supplies and lift blood and plasma donor numbers.”

“Employers can make a practical difference by clearly communicating the leave or flexibility available and encouraging employees to donate. Staff should check their workplace policies or speak with their manager to understand what applies to them.”

Separate research by Macquarie Business School and Lifeblood, involving employees from four national workplaces with a blood donation program found similar insights. 

Nearly half of employees were unaware of their entitlement (48.1%), and fewer than one in five had used it (16.8%).  

Professor Debbie Haski-Leventhal from Macquarie Business School said the survey also showed that access to paid leave was rated as important for future donation by most participants. 

“Workplaces have a crucial role to play in supporting blood donation by making it more convenient, facilitating social connection among employees, and creating a supportive culture,” Professor Haski-Leventhal said.

“In addition, this has benefits for employers also - our research found that donating blood as a team boosts workplace culture and morale.”

“Even those who work from home felt more connected to their colleagues if they donated as part of their workplace’s Lifeblood Team – a group donation program by Lifeblood.”

“This provides a win-win situation, for workplaces and employees, as well as those in hospital.”

As charity partner for the WOBI World Business Forum Sydney 2026, Lifeblood is calling on Australian organisations to support workplace donation and sign up to Lifeblood Teams ahead of the event at ICC Sydney on 5 and 6 November.

People can find out if their organisation has a blood donation team by visiting Donating as a Lifeblood Team | Australian Red Cross Lifeblood. 

Donations and lives saved are tracked online. Book an appointment by calling 13 14 95, visiting lifeblood.com.au or downloading the Lifeblood app.