Volunteer Time Off: Implementing and Optimizing Workplace Programs and Policies Guide
Employee community engagement programs are widely recognized for providing a variety of benefits to employees, companies and communities. To show a commitment to these programs, many companies offer employees paid time off to participate in volunteer activities during the workday. This benefit, commonly known as Paid Volunteer Time or Volunteer Time Off (VTO), is showing up in different forms across industries, with many companies taking creative approaches
that are tailored to their unique workplace structures.
With employees spanning different locations, schedules, responsibilities, skillsets and passions, there is no one-size-fits all approach to encouraging engagement in volunteer activities. Coupled with a lack of data and insights about building and implementing effective VTO policies, this has resulted in a knowledge gap for many organizations seeking to launch or optimize a VTO program.
This guide provides collective learnings and tools to equip those looking to take the first step, or the next step, toward a successful VTO program or policy.
Policies that Enable Employee-Powered Change
Imagine a workplace where every employee feels empowered to drive positive change in their community. Many companies achieve this by establishing policies that create opportunities for impact. These policies align a company’s culture and core values with daily operations, setting clear expectations and creating an environment where employees feel supported.
Discover how codifying practices such as Volunteer Time Off (VTO) can foster a culture of service, enhance employee engagement, and secure buy-in from all levels.
Top Takeaways:
- Having a volunteer time off policy demonstrates a company’s commitment to creating positive social impact while also providing value to the business and to employees.
- When designing a policy, clearly define what is in scope including who can take advantage of the policy and what activities are eligible.
- Think about the end user when making VTO decisions. You want the benefit to be as accessible and frictionless as possible.
- Understand the audience who will need to weigh in on the policy and any updates; bring them along with you as you design or revise.
- Position the policy in different ways when driving awareness so employees can fully realize the benefit being offered.
Additional Resources:
- Volunteer Time Off
- Civic Time Off
- General CSR/Volunteering Questions: Ask a CSR Friend
