Elasticians give back to causes they care about — without taking PTO

Elasticsearch employees are granted volunteer time off (VTO) to support causes they care about. In Berlin, a team of 11 volunteers assisted the homeless with various tasks. Through the "Dollars for Doers" program, they donated 1,200 euros to the city mission. Volunteering fosters teamwork, expands perspectives, and allows individuals to contribute to their communities. Julie McDowell volunteers at a cat cafe and uses VTO on weekends. Jorge Sanz maps underserved areas with the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team. Finding a cause to support can start with identifying personal interests. Consistency in volunteering is crucial for organizations to rely on volunteers. Planning is essential for organizing team volunteer activities. Elastic encourages employees to use their VTO, with over 400 employees logging over 6,500 volunteer hours in 2023. Volunteering allows individuals to make a meaningful impact while also supporting their personal values.