Stepping Away: The Value of Offering Employee Sabbaticals

For those unfamiliar with the term, sabbatical leaves are an agreed-upon length of time off between the employer and employee. A recent study cited in Harvard Business Review reports that more than half (53%) of the respondents say that their companies already offer sabbatical leaves. The length of time off can be any agreed-upon amount of time that is longer than the company's standard vacation time.

Hands holding sign that says Sabbatical Leave

Company leave can be either paid or unpaid, depending on the policy. The benefit for employees is clear: They are given the opportunity to pursue their outside interests beyond the workplace. Here are some examples of how those on sabbatical spend their time:

Traveling or spending an extended time abroad
Volunteering on long-term projects
Researching subjects that are related to one's career
Studying or training for career advancement
Caring for a family member, such as an older adult or newborn

Research seems to confirm that sabbaticals also benefit the organizations that offer them. Time off improves the emotional and mental well-being of the employee, which has a positive effect on the company. Those who take advantage of time off are expected to return to work refreshed and reenergized. Managers find that they are more likely to recruit and retain desirable employees. Returning employees are seen as more valuable, particularly if they have acquired new knowledge, skills or training while they were away from work.

Working out the details

There are a few things companies need to consider before deciding whether they should institute a time-off policy. Aside from the government laws covering family and medical leave, there are no other regulations that organizations need to follow with respect to time off. Companies are free to draft their own policies. The following are some issues that need to be addressed when creating such a policy:

How many years of service should an employee have before they are eligible for time off?
What is the maximum length of time your company can afford to have an employee away from their job?
For what reasons will an employee be granted a sabbatical?
Will the employee be paid, partially paid or unpaid during their time off?
How far in advance does the request for time off need to be made?
How often can an employee request time off?
Who in the organization will make the decision to grant time off?
Will the employee need to agree to continue working for the company for a set period of time after they return?
Will the company continue to pay benefits such as pension and medical insurance during the time off?

Communicate clearly

Finally, discuss with the employee whether an extended sabbatical is the only solution. Perhaps what is needed is a more flexible schedule. This could include working part time, working remotely or working hours that allow the employee to care for a loved one. Organizations that place mental health as a top priority will seek ways to help alleviate stress in their employees' lives.

A sabbatical leave allows an employee to relieve stress, feel renewed or enrich their life. Because the balance between life and work can sometimes be challenging, it is helpful for companies to support their employees by giving them the gift of time.