What Are Sabbaticals?
Sabbaticals are planned, strategic job pauses during which an employee takes time to travel, do research, volunteer, learn a new skill, or fulfill a lifelong dream before returning to regular work. Sabbaticals can be paid or unpaid. They typically last from four to ten weeks. The most successful sabbatical programs involve measurable objectives that enable the employee to grow in a key area that can benefit the company upon their return. Eligibility and benefits vary.
Sabbaticals Give Your Company an Edge
- Fostering a team-based service model
- Building your brand as an ‘employer of choice’
- Fostering a healthy work-life balance
- Reducing the cost of turnover expenses
- Retaining experienced talent
- Developing leadership from within
- Generating employee loyalty
- Developing a culture of innovation
- Boosting enthusiasm and productivity
- Managing talent during a recession
Sabbaticals Benefit Everyone
Generation Y has been called the “most high-maintenance but also the most high-performing in workforce history”. They have high expectations for their lives outside of work. Sabbaticals enable them to live the “big” personal lives while they help your company perform.
Those in mid-career also benefit from time away to re-capture passion and energy for their work. According to a 2005 survey from The Conference Board, people ages 35-54 work longer hours than their older and younger counterparts, and yet: only 43% are passionate about their jobs; just 33% feel energized by their work; and more than 40% report feelings of burnout.
