KNOXVILLE — UT Federal Credit Union has launched a new employee benefit providing unlimited paid volunteer time during regularly scheduled work hours.

The program, called Mission in Motion, took effect Aug. 1 and is available to more than 100 employees of the Tennessee-based credit union.

Unlike traditional employer volunteer programs that cap paid volunteer hours, Mission in Motion does not set an annual limit, provided employees coordinate volunteer activities with their regular work responsibilities.


UT Federal Credit Union officials said they believe the organization is the first credit union in Tennessee to offer unlimited paid volunteer time to employees.

The program builds on the credit union’s existing community service efforts through its Kindness Committee.

Earlier this month, 12 employees participated in a cleanup along Liberty Street from Sutherland Avenue to Middlebrook Pike as part of the credit union’s relationship with Keep Knoxville Beautiful.

“We wanted to create a benefit that removes one of the barriers to volunteering: having to choose between serving your community and using limited paid time,” said Hanna Gomez, chief marketing officer and executive sponsor of the Kindness Committee.

“We believe that community service should be encouraged, not limited. Mission in Motion gives our employees the freedom to choose the causes that are meaningful to them and to participate in ways that fit their lives.”

Employees may volunteer independently with organizations they support, participate in opportunities organized through the Kindness Committee or coordinate volunteer days with their departments.

Volunteer time will be tracked through the credit union’s payroll system to measure participation and community impact.

Through the Kindness Committee, UTFCU regularly organizes service projects including litter cleanups, food pantry work, first responder appreciation efforts, veterans events and Habitat for Humanity projects.

“We trust our employees to know where their time and talents can make the greatest difference,” said Joy Wilson, chief human resources officer. “That’s the kind of investment we want to make in our employees and the communities we’re privileged to serve.”

More information is available through the UT Federal Credit Union website at utfcu.org.