Volunteer Time Off (VTO) is a type of employer-sponsored paid leave that allows employees to take time off during regular work hours to volunteer for nonprofit organizations or community service projects. It’s an increasingly popular corporate benefit that supports social responsibility while promoting employee engagement and morale.
Organizations that offer VTO are often seen as purpose-driven and socially conscious, making them more attractive to values-aligned job seekers.
Employees with access to VTO are more likely to feel connected to their company’s mission, contributing to greater job satisfaction and lower turnover.
By encouraging community involvement, companies can build stronger local relationships and contribute to causes that matter to their workforce.
Participating in volunteer events fosters team bonding and helps employees develop skills like leadership, empathy, and collaboration.
In most cases, VTO is paid time off, meaning employees are compensated as if they were working. It differs from unpaid volunteering leave or using personal time off (PTO). Some companies may cap the number of VTO hours or combine them with CSR (corporate social responsibility) programs.
As Gen Z and Millennials dominate the workforce, expectations for companies to offer purpose-driven work experiences are rising. VTO helps bridge the gap between business and community while fostering a values-based workplace culture.
