Please review the following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Volunteer Time Off (VTO) Program.  

1. Q: What is the MMS Volunteer Time Off (VTO) program?

A: The VTO program is an initiative that allows employees to take paid time off to engage in volunteer activities that contribute to the community. Employees are encouraged to find or participate in volunteer opportunities organized by Mark Miller Subaru or one of their current or past Love Promise Community Partners.  

Volunteer Time Off is not an entitlement benefit. Employees do not accrue and are not entitled to paid Volunteer Time Off. VTO is not transferrable nor does it rollover one year to the next. Not all requests for VTO will be approved. An employee's eligibility to use VTO can be revoked at any time at their manager's or Culture Department's discretion.  

2. Q: Is it really volunteering if I am being paid to do it?

A: Yes! Of course, it is. Corporate philanthropy is nothing new and some of the biggest corporations in the world have VTO programs including Coca-Cola, Wells Fargo, Salesforce, Adobe, Proctor and Gamble, Johnson and Johnson, Google, Vanguard, IBM, and Utah's very own Utah Jazz* to name just a few!  

Your volunteer contributions while representing Mark Miller Subaru are good for the community and good for business. It's the next level of Mark Miller's thought: "If we take care of our employees, they will take care of our customers and everything else will work out." As we take good care of our community, they will take good care of us and the 'everything else' is you building personal relationships with our community partners and the people they serve!  

We trust that it will all work out and thank you for your willingness to participate.  

*According to Glassdoor.com

3. Q: Who is eligible for the VTO program?

A: All full-time employees who have been employed for a minimum of six months and meet the following requirements are eligible for the VTO program:

• Be an employee in good standing, not be on a plan of improvement for any of the following:

  • • • Performance

      • Attendance

      • Appearance

• Must display a high level of accountability and self-discipline.

• Receive the endorsement of your manager as someone who can properly represent the Mark Miller Subaru name and brand in the community.

  • • • Bought into the Mark Miller Subaru Culture

      • Embodies the Mark Miller Subaru Core Values

4. Q: How much VTO can an employee take?

A: Employees can take up to four half-days of VTO per calendar year.  

5. Q: Can VTO be taken in full-day increments?

A: Sometimes, with prior approval and compelling rationale, employees may request a full day (8 hours) of VTO, but this must be approved by their manager and Culture Department.   

It is important that VTO not be seen as "a day off." The goal is to help employees incorporate volunteer time into their normal day-to-day lives. For this reason, employees are still expected to start or end their days at work with the volunteer time taking only part of the day.  

6. Q: Do unused VTO hours carry over to the next year?

A: No, unused VTO hours do not carry over. Furthermore, VTO is a privilege benefit, not an entitlement benefit. VTO requests do not have to be honored and the privilege can be revoked at any time.  

7. Q: How do employees request VTO?

A: Employees can request VTO by utilizing the VTO Request Form found here. Employees will be asked to provide details about the volunteering opportunity and the desired time off. Employees will be notified once their VTO proposal is approved. VTO hours will be added to Paycom once the post-VTO statement is completed.  

8. Q: Can employees choose any volunteer activity for VTO?

A: Yes and no. We invite employees to first consider volunteering with our current or past Love Promise Community Partners. We have great working relationships with these organizations and know they have plenty of unmet needs.  

There is some flexibility to choose a volunteer activity with other registered nonprofit organizations so long as these groups' mission and vision align with Mark Miller Subaru's Core Values. Prior approval is required.  

9. Q: Is there a limit to the number of employees who can take VTO at the same time?

A: While we encourage employees to participate, there may be limits on the number of employees taking VTO simultaneously to ensure operational needs are met. Please coordinate with your team and manager.

10. Q: Can employees use VTO for remote/virtual volunteering?

A: Yes, employees can use VTO for remote or virtual volunteering opportunities that have been pre-approved by their manager.

11. Q: How does VTO impact employee benefits and salary?

A: Taking VTO does not impact employee benefits, and employees will continue to receive their regular salary for the hours taken as VTO.

12. Q: Is participation in the VTO program mandatory?

A: Participation in the VTO program is voluntary. Mark Miller Subaru's investment into this program is to foster a culture of giving back to the community. Though not mandatory, we encourage all to take advantage of this life-changing opportunity to Leave Your Mark.  

13. Q: Can employees donate their unused VTO hours to colleagues?

A: No, VTO is not an entitlement or an accrual. Employees can request use of VTO, but it is not owed to any employee or transferrable.  

14. Q: What if the volunteer activity is more than four hours?

A: The VTO Program covers in four-hour increments (eight with prior approval from the Culture Department). You may choose to limit your time to four hours even for longer activities or contribute more knowing you are outside the time covered by VTO. 

15. Q: Will I be required to wear a Subaru or Mark Miller Subaru branded clothing?

A: Yes, this is a day on, not a day off! You are representing the brand and the store while serving our community. With enough notice, Marketing will provide you with a Subaru Volunteer t-shirt with the Community Love Promise Pillar that most closely aligns with the volunteer activity. If a t-shirt is not available, employees must wear a Mark Miller Subaru or Subaru-branded shirt.