Gov. Schwarzenegger authorized four hours of Informal Time Off (ITO) for all state employees in celebration of the holiday season.

Employees may take their four hours of ITO on either Friday, Dec. 22, or Friday, Dec. 29, in a manner consistent with maintaining necessary services to the public. Employees required to work these days, or who are on paid leave, should be granted the time off prior to June 30, 2007, if administratively feasible.

FLSA-exempt employees may either combine their ITO with paid leave to equal a full day off or may use ITO to leave early after working a partial day.

ITO is not lost when employees transfer between agencies. Employees retain their ITO balances until the hours are actually used. ITO is not available for cash-out upon separation; therefore, agencies should allow employees to use their ITO prior to separation.

According to DPA, employees using ITO must report it on their Absence Report forms (Std. 634).

Dated: Dec. 13, 2006