By Veronica Asmond, SVP, Chief Human Resources Officer
Purpose inspires action in life and at work. As we look to the new year, it’s natural to pause and consider what matters most. For business leaders, this reflection helps define the principles that guide decision-making and inspire people to do their best work. Implementing a Volunteer Time Off (VTO) policy is one way to bring those principles to life while strengthening the communities we serve.
At LWCC, Louisiana’s largest workers’ compensation carrier, our purpose is clear: to help Louisiana thrive. Volunteerism is one of the ways we empower employees to bring that purpose to life. When employees give their time and talents to support others, they create meaningful change in our state while deepening their connection to the company.
Throughout my 30 year career in human resources, I have seen the impact that purpose-driven programs can have. Employees who are encouraged to give back develop a stronger sense of pride in their work. Teams become more connected, and companies earn greater trust from the people they serve. A VTO policy is not only an act of goodwill, but also a strategic investment in engagement, culture, and business success.
Here are three steps to create an effective VTO program:
Determine Eligibility
Inclusivity is key. At LWCC, all regular full-time and regular part-time employees are eligible for VTO. This ensures that everyone, regardless of their role, has an opportunity to contribute.
Set a Time Allotment
A clear time commitment gives employees the structure they need to plan their participation. LWCC offers eight (8) hours of VTO each year for full-time employees, prorated for new hires. Employees may opt to take their VTO in two, four-hour shifts, or one eight-hour shift.
Establish Clear Requirements
A strong policy provides consistency and helps ensure alignment with company values. Consider the following:
- Location: Decide whether your company will focus on local organizations or allow employees to volunteer on a broader scale. Eligible organizations: Some companies require the volunteer organization to be recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with sound fiscal and management practices. Communicating clear guidelines for eligibility helps eliminate confusion for employees when selecting nonprofit volunteer opportunities.
- Purpose: Prioritize volunteer work that contributes meaningful, long-term community benefits.
To help encourage participation, partnerships can make all the difference. By leveraging partnerships for LWCC’s Louisiana Loyal Service Project, we’re able to create a low-lift, consistent volunteer opportunities that maximizes employee buy-in and community impact.
When employees are empowered to serve, the results are remarkable. In the past five years, LWCC employees and agent partners have donated over 125,000 meals across 35 parishes, participated in community gardening and clean-up projects, and even hosted youth biking events. These efforts strengthen communities, foster loyalty and compassion, and shared pride within our company.
As business leaders, we have a responsibility to model purpose in action. Implementing a VTO policy is one way to do that. It dedicates time for employees to live out shared values, builds a culture of care and engagement, and contributes to a stronger Louisiana.
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