The transformative power of Sabbaticals

Sabbaticals aren’t just for academics; increasingly, employers are realising the value of sabbatical leave and introducing programmes that allow dedicated employees to take advantage of an extended break from work. While not all companies will have an official policy on sabbaticals (and it isn’t a legal requirement for companies to accept sabbatical requests), many will consider a request for extended leave if the person has been an asset to the company for a long time.

Otherwise it is always helpful to demonstrate how a sabbatical would benefit your long-term performance at work, and so the company as a whole. Depending on the circumstances, a sabbatical might be paid or unpaid. In any case, it will be a period of rest from work, usually involving some other specific purpose – for example, volunteer work, study, travel or work on a project. It can even be based around spending time with family. A sabbatical is a time for rest and recuperation and personal and professional development.

Types of Sabbaticals

Sabbaticals are usually between a month and a year, though there are no written rules around how long they should last. Typically, they involve a break longer than would be possible with annual leave and shorter than would be considered a career break, and the employee returns to the same job. Depending on the negotiated terms, they might be paid, unpaid or paid at a percentage of the employee’s normal salary.

There are several reasons people might choose to take a sabbatical. In some professions, sabbaticals are commonly taken to reduce stress levels and prevent burn-out. Others use the opportunity to develop new skills, study or learn about something not directly related to their day-to-day work. Others still take the chance to gain life experience through travelling, volunteering or challenging themselves with a new project.

Sabbaticals for personal growth

Wherever it might take you, a sabbatical can be a unique chance to prioritise your health. If you work in a stressful environment, focusing on your health might be the sole reason for taking a sabbatical. In these scenarios, employees might devise a physical and mental health programme for their time away from work, perhaps including learning a new sport or meditation techniques, that they can continue when they return to work. Regular exercise is one of the best lifestyle changes for mental health, so whether it’s playing for a local five-aside football team or kayaking in Scotland, a health-focused sabbatical will likely benefit both the body and mind.

A sabbatical can also be considered a time of self discovery. Moving away from your daily and weekly routine will offer the chance to search out the things that truly matter to you – things that bring joy and fulfilment to your life. Taking time for introspection will help you reflect on your values and consider making changes to your life that better align with your values and goals.

Sabbaticals are usually offered to those who have been working for the same company for a long time. As such, it is common for people to use the experience to Immerse themselves in new opportunities and challenges. What that might look like to you will depend on your values and goals; perhaps you would benefit from travelling independently, mastering a new skill set or embarking on a physical challenge in aid of charity.

Professional benefits of Sabbaticals

Every company is different but for many, sabbatical leave is most likely to be approved if the employee can demonstrate how they will use their time to directly improve their performance at work and bring added value to the company upon their return. The question, then, is how can you plan your sabbatical to benefit your future work performance as well as your personal journey, in a way that will bring you enjoyment and fulfilment?

When planning your sabbatical proposal, consider what areas you would like to develop in, from a professional point of view. Are you interested in transitioning to a different role in your company, honing a skill that isn’t a big focus in your current role, or considering a different job or business opportunity entirely? From workshops and conferences to courses and hands-on experiences, how can you use your time to benefit your professional objectives?

The professional benefits don’t have to be as direct as gaining certificates; taking a break from work can offer plenty of opportunities to reignite your creativity and spark innovative thinking. If your role is a creative one (or you would like it to be) consider the benefits of travel and pursuing passion projects for offering fresh perspectives and inspiration. A sabbatical can help you work out exactly what you want to do and how you can align your skills and passions with your professional development.

How to ask for a Sabbatical

- Research your company’s policy around sabbaticals; if they don’t have one, ask your manager for any requirements or criteria.

- Remember that it could take your company some time to work out the arrangements for your sabbatical, so include plenty of time for your employer’s deliberation in your timeline.

- Before approaching your employer with a request, consider and make note of all the benefits a sabbatical would provide both you and the company; keep every reason positive and highlight all the benefits we’ve covered in this post.

- Likewise, write down all the potential reasons your employer might not want to accept your request and tackle them preemptively; be prepared to address any potential concerns when you request your sabbatical.

- Make the decision easier for your employer by giving them a clear outline of your sabbatical plans, including what you expect to do and how it aligns with your professional development, as well as a clear timeline and suggestions for efficiently handing over your workload ready for your time away.

- Your employer might try to negotiate terms with you; consider ahead of time what areas you would be willing to move on (for example, length of time away, time before you leave or financial terms).

- Armed with your research, ask to discuss your request in a face-to-face meeting. Follow up by email with a detailed recap of everything that was discussed.

Say "Yes" to a Sabbatical

If you are feeling weary and drained in your job, a sabbatical could be just the change you need and lead to a transformative power tool. A sabbatical can offer an endless variety of opportunities for personal development, from physical health journeys to mental recuperation, volunteering, travelling, and challenging yourself in new ways.

From a career point of view, they can bring a fresh perspective and spark inspiration and innovation; they provide the ideal time to learn a new skill or pursue a business passion, and might help you find more fulfilment in your job – or perhaps trigger a switch to something better aligned with your values. Whatever your reason, if you think a sabbatical could be for you, make a detailed plan and design a proposal for your employer – what’s the worst that could happen?