Why Volunteer Time Off is More Than Just a B Corp Perk
Certified B Corporations are committed to high social and environmental performance standards, transparency and accountability. One of the most impactful ways they can extend this commitment is by offering employees Volunteer Time Off (VTO).
VTO allows employees to take paid time off to volunteer for local charities, environmental initiatives or community projects. While this might seem like just another perk, it aligns perfectly with the B Corp mission — creating businesses that are not only profitable, but do good hands-on.
Offering VTO strengthens a company’s community impact by enabling employees to contribute to causes they care about. Whether they’re mentoring underserved youth, participating in environmental cleanups or helping at food banks, employees become more engaged in their local communities. By providing time for volunteering, B Corps deepen their connection to the people and places they serve, turning corporate values into direct action.
At Russell Herder, employees get three days each year to volunteer for causes dear and near to their hearts. And they use them for anything from wildlife conservation, music and education to building houses and bringing smiles to the local children’s hospice home.
At Russell Herder, employees get three days each year to volunteer for causes dear and near to their hearts. And they use them for anything from wildlife conservation, music and education to building houses and bringing smiles to the local children’s hospice home.
Digital Manager Katelyn loves singing. She used her VTO doing what she does best:
“Every year, my choir, VocalEssence, has a program, “Witness,” that pairs teaching artists with schools around the metro. The teaching artists give lessons that combine Black history, civil rights and social justice with music and dance. In February, all participating schools get to attend a free concert from my choir at a large music venue, like Orchestra Hall or Northrop Auditorium, with a performance that relates to the curriculum they learned in the fall. I love that I get to take time out of my regular schedule to sing in these concerts and help educate children on important topics.”
Copywriter Alex enjoys physical labor and nature. He collected prairie seeds and built a home:
“You won’t move anything if you don’t move yourself. I stole that quote from a German 90s rap song — but it’s true. Wildlife doesn’t grow on trees. And with natural habitats being scarcer than ever, something needs to be done. So, I went out with the Friends of Prairie Creek and collected native grass seeds near Northfield, MN, last year. The DNR will use those seeds to bring back native prairies to other areas of our state. And that’s something everyone can enjoy.
This year, I burned through my VTO right off the bat. I went on a trip to Guatemala with Casas Por Cristo, where we built a house that is now home to a family of six. I believe secure housing is a human right, so it was the right thing to do. I only wish I could do it here, too. But maybe I’ll find a way to combat homelessness in the Twin Cities with next year’s VTO.”
Conclusion? Offering VTO is more than just another B Corp perk — it’s a direct extension of our mission to prioritize social and environmental responsibility. By empowering employees to drive change, businesses help their teams and communities thrive, reinforcing the idea that companies can and should be a force for good. Prioritizing volunteer time off is a simple yet powerful way for any company to amplify its impact and redefine business success. The question is, are companies making space for employees to give back? If not, now is the time to start.
