Helpdesk

FAQ

Who can participate?

The program is intended for eligible McKinsey Belgium & Luxembourg colleagues. Current guidance refers to integrative JRAs and ASCs from 0+9 onward. Please confirm with your PDM if you are unsure whether you are eligible.

How many Volunteering Time Off days do I get?

Eligible colleagues can use up to 2 days per year for volunteering. More time may be discussed with your PDM on an exceptional basis.

Do I need approval before volunteering?

Yes. Please confirm with your PDM and ensure that your participation is compatible with your client, staffing, and team commitments before registering. Client and client development priorities remain the first priority.

What charge code should I use for Volunteering Time Off?

Please charge approved Volunteering Time Off to Z062. Make sure the VTO day has been aligned in advance with PD and your team, and that the activity falls within the approved scope of the Volunteering Time Off program.

Can I choose any organisation?

For this platform, colleagues are encouraged to select from the opportunities made available through Give a Day. These opportunities are curated and, where relevant, reviewed against McKinsey’s VTO risk requirements.

If you would like to volunteer with a specific organization that is not yet listed, please contact the McKinsey program owner before registering or contacting the organization. The organization and activity may need to be reviewed before it can be approved for VTO.

What types of activities are allowed?

Activities should have a clear social, community, or environmental purpose and should be connected to a legitimate nonprofit or social impact organization.

Examples may include supporting educational initiatives, social inclusion programs, food distribution, environmental clean-ups, community support activities, or other forms of hands-on volunteering.

Professional-skills volunteering, such as consulting-style support, workshop facilitation, analysis, coaching, or other activities that use skills similar to your McKinsey role, may be possible but can require additional approval, including AP/Partner sponsorship.

What activities are not allowed?

VTO should not be used for activities involving political organizations or political campaigning, religious institutions, governmental or quasi-governmental organizations, personal business activities, nonprofit board or executive responsibilities, or activities that could create legal, reputational, anti-corruption, client, ethical, or safety concerns for McKinsey or the volunteer.

Colleagues should also avoid activities involving organizations that discriminate, promote hatred or violence, support military operations, or are subject to concerning adverse media.

Additional review may be required where the host organization is a current or potential McKinsey client, has links to government officials or Firm clients, involves payments or donations, requires the use of Firm IP or materials, takes place in a restricted location, or could create ambiguity about whether the colleague is acting personally or on behalf of McKinsey.

If you are unsure whether an organization or activity is appropriate for VTO, please contact the McKinsey program owner before registering.

Am I representing McKinsey when I volunteer?

Volunteering Time Off enables colleagues to volunteer during paid time, but colleagues participate as individual volunteers unless explicitly agreed otherwise.

Please act professionally and respectfully at all times. Do not make commitments on behalf of McKinsey, speak on behalf of the firm, or use McKinsey’s name or brand externally unless you have been authorized to do so.

Will the non-profit organization know I work at McKinsey?

Volunteers participate in their own name, but through the sign-up process the NGOs will receive your McKinsey address.

What is expected of me as a volunteer?

You are expected to:

  • Show up on time and participate as agreed

  • Treat the host organization, beneficiaries, and other volunteers with respect

  • Follow the instructions of the host organization

  • Respect confidentiality and privacy

  • Follow health and safety guidance

  • Notify the contact person as early as possible if you can no longer attend

What should I do if I can no longer attend?

Please inform the relevant contact person and your PDM as soon as possible. Non-profit organizations plan around confirmed volunteers, so late cancellations can create real operational challenges.

What about insurance and liability?

McKinsey provides insurance coverage for eligible colleagues participating in approved Volunteering Time Off activities.

Before participating, please review the practical and safety information provided for each activity and follow any guidance from McKinsey, Give a Day, and the host organization.

Coverage may depend on the activity being approved, within the scope of the Volunteering Time Off program, and carried out in line with the instructions provided. Activities that fall outside the approved volunteering scope, involve avoidable safety risks, or are not aligned with McKinsey guidance may not be covered in the same way.

If you are unsure whether a specific activity is covered, please check with the McKinsey program owner before registering or participating.

What about health and safety?

Only participate in activities that you can perform safely. Follow all instructions from the host organization, use any required protective equipment, and do not take unnecessary risks.

If an activity feels unsafe or inappropriate, stop and contact the activity organizer or McKinsey program owner.

What about data privacy and confidentiality?

Respect the privacy of beneficiaries, host organizations, and fellow volunteers. Do not share personal data, photos, stories, or sensitive information externally unless you have explicit permission and it is appropriate to do so.

Do not share confidential McKinsey information with host organizations or beneficiaries.

Who can I contact with questions?

For questions about the platform, volunteering opportunities, or registration process, please contact:     

For questions about eligibility, staffing, or Volunteering Time Off approval, please contact your PDM.

For platform-related questions, you may also contact Give a Day directly: liselotte@giveaday.eu or charlotte@giveaday.eu