HR committee approves volunteer time-off program allowing paid daytime volunteer hours

The Waukesha City HR Committee on Wednesday approved a Volunteer Time Off program that allows employees to take paid time during the workday to volunteer with approved organizations in the city.

Kaylee, the staff member who presented the item, said the program was developed as part of the city’s strategic plan and that Marquise and Tony reviewed and supported the proposal. "We can create more community engagement with employees by offering them the ability to take time off during the workday to volunteer within the city of Waukesha at approved organizations," Kaylee said.

Committee members voiced support during discussion. The committee chair praised the idea and said it mirrored private-sector practice, adding that he had personally benefitted from similar programs. With no substantive changes requested, a motion to approve the program as presented was moved and seconded and passed by voice vote; the chair stated the motion carried unanimously.

The program will proceed to the Common Council as part of routine approvals; staff did not provide implementation dates or the number of volunteer hours to be allocated in this meeting record.