Civic Time Off

Civic Time Off is an initiative to encourage employees to become more active in their community with employer-supported volunteering. In 2026, CTO is spotlighting non-partisan election poll workers.

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  1. Why is Civic Time Off important for your employees?

    Civic Time Off is an easy, flexible way for employers to boost civic engagement among employees and benefit their local communities. By encouraging employees to consider using paid time off to volunteer or serve as nonpartisan poll workers, employers play a critical role in increasing civic engagement and broader community cohesion across America—while giving employees the opportunity to develop personally and professionally.

    Increased civic engagement has positive benefits for businesses, communities, and employees. Studies have shown that higher rates of civic participation correlate to healthier employees, including better psychological well-being, physical benefits, and emotional health. Additionally, economists have found that a healthy democracy is critical to a healthy free market economy.

    Implementing Civic Time Off is a way for employers to help increase civic knowledge, trust, and engagement among employees, leading to stronger communities and a more robust civic culture.

  2. How does Civic Time Off work?

    Civic Time Off is a flexible initiative that’s open to employers of any size, anywhere in the U.S. Since Civic Time Off is designed to encourage more Americans to engage in their communities, all that’s necessary for employers to participate is to include volunteering in their paid time off policies and share information with employees on how to sign up.

    Employers have full discretion in implementing Civic Time Off. They can offer extra time off or simply inform employees about using existing paid time off. This initiative is designed to be as flexible and accommodating for employers’ existing policies as possible, while encouraging employees to help fill crucial needs in their neighborhoods, towns, or cities.

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    1. Opt-In

    Make a company-wide decision to implement CTO. Plan a rollout to stakeholder groups, with special attention paid to engaging employees. ​

  4. 2. Launch

    Make a company-wide announcement about CTO.

  5. 3. Amplify

    Spotlight and celebrate employees who spend time being active in your community through CTO, continuing to encourage employees to take advantage of this opportunity. ​

    *The organizations on this website do not constitute endorsements and are listed for the purpose of providing additional resources.

    Download the Toolkit

“Offering Civic Time Off emphasizes to our employees and the community the value we put on our freedom. We are truly blessed to live in a country where we can participate in free and unhindered elections. Making time for those who want to help is a small sacrifice for employers.”

Larry Kidd CEO, :hire Learn more here
The female election volunteers sit at the table and greet voters to the community center.

Interested in bringing Civic Time Off to your business?

Contact The Civic Trust at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation for next steps and detailed guidance on implementing the program in your workplace.

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