Why a Leave Sharing Program is Essential During Hurricane Season

We’re in the midst of hurricane season. These powerful storms not only wreak havoc on property and cities, but they also interrupt our daily work routines. 

Employers are looking for solutions they can implement to support affected employees during these difficult times. Implementing a leave-sharing program during hurricane season is a proactive measure that benefits employees, the workplace environment, and the company.  

What is a leave-sharing program? 

A leave-sharing program allows organizations to financially assist employees facing medical emergencies or natural disasters.  

Leave-sharing programs are tailored to support employees impacted by emergencies, whether it's a medical crisis affecting them or their family members, or a federally declared disaster.  

An employer-sponsored leave-sharing program allows an employee to donate accrued hours of paid vacation or personal leave to benefit other employees who need to take more leave than they have available. They can establish an internal leave-sharing pool, allowing employees to voluntarily donate accrued leave to benefit colleagues facing hardships. The donated leave goes to an established “sharing pool” that employees can then request from.   

In some areas, there might be regulatory requirements or strong recommendations for such programs, especially in disaster-prone areas. Having a leave-sharing program in place is part of a broader disaster preparedness plan, ensures that the company can respond effectively to crises. 

Benefits of a leave sharing program  

There are several benefits to offering a leave-sharing program, including:  

• Boost employee morale. Knowing that the company and colleagues have their back can significantly build a sense of community and solidarity within the workplace.  

• Maintain productivity: By enabling affected employees to take necessary time off without fear of financial loss, they can return to work more focused and productive. This helps maintain overall productivity levels. 

• Minimize turnover: Employees are less likely to leave a company that supports them during crises, reducing turnover and the associated costs of hiring and training new staff. 

• Show care for employee well-being. Companies have an ethical responsibility to care for their employees' well-being, especially during natural disasters. A leave-sharing program is a tangible way to fulfill this duty. 

• Positive Public Image: Demonstrating commitment to employee welfare can enhance the company's reputation, attracting both customers and potential talent. 

Why leave-sharing programs are essential during hurricane season 

Employees impacted by hurricanes often face sudden and severe disruptions. Leave-sharing programs allow colleagues to donate their unused leave to those in urgent need, providing immediate relief.  

Moreover, leave-sharing programs provide financial assistance. Employees affected by hurricanes may need time off to deal with the aftermath without the added stress of losing income. Leave-sharing programs can prevent financial hardship for those who might overwise exhaust their leave.  

From a company perspective, leave-sharing programs are a non-traditional benefit that meets a wide range of needs across a multigenerational workforce. As employees are looking for more unique benefits to address their needs, leave sharing programs are an attractive option for prospective employees.  

How PTO Exchange Can Help 

Hurricanes can affect employees differently. Some might need time off for evacuation, others for rebuilding their homes, or caring for family members. A leave-sharing program provides the flexibility to address these varied needs. PTO Exchange’s platform can help organizations implement a leave-sharing program that leverages employees’ unused PTO.  

Download our ebook to learn how you can set up a leave-sharing program or request a demo of our platform.