‘Sabbatical’; even the word sounds appealing, don’t you think? Derived from the Hebrew word ‘Sabbath’, meaning day of rest, the practice of taking an extended period of time off work (whilst still remaining employed) has grown in popularity in recent years.
In the post-pandemic world – whenever that may be – it’s predicted that sabbaticals will become even more popular, due to a newfound flexibility in the way we work and a sudden shift in our definitions of what constitutes a good work/life balance.
Whilst once upon a time a request for a sabbatical may have had an employer furrowing their brow and changing the conversation, now the concept is viewed more positively. Indeed, taking one can be beneficial for mental health, job satisfaction and employee engagement, potentially improving the performance and productivity of an employee.
What’s more, with the global workforce currently going through what economists have dubbed ‘the great resignation’, the onus is increasingly falling on responsible employers to be more accommodating to those members of staff that they’re keen to keep. If this has piqued your interest and you’re wondering what the benefits of taking a sabbatical are, let’s explore.
CHANGING PERSPECTIVES
Firstly let’s address those more antiquated views of taking a sabbatical that we hinted at earlier.
In generations previously, some have used the term sabbatical as a euphemism for taking time off after a case of career burnout or a breakdown of some sort. Equally, many once assumed sabbaticals to be some form of ‘new age’ jolly, where people travelled to distant lands to ‘find themselves’ spiritually, perhaps at an Ayahuasca ceremony or in the bowl of a peace pipe.
Whilst that would almost certainly be more valuable emotionally than a corporate training retreat or even a spell spent reclining on the beach, the point is that sabbaticals can be used any way the employee deems fit and worthwhile. This isn’t something that a company or employer should have influence over.
A sabbatical can be used for anything you want. Travel the world, write a novel, train for a triathlon, volunteer, study or spend time with family and friends. Some people even take extended sabbaticals, lasting several years, putting their domestic life on hold and their things into self storage before booking a one-way ticket to somewhere far-flung.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TAKE A SABBATICAL?
There’s no easy (or correct) answer to this question. Everyone’s life and career path is different. If you’re taking a sabbatical with the agreement or your employer, rather than just taking a break between jobs, then you also have to consider the timing from your employer’s point of view, too.
Asking during a particularly busy time, or when the company is going through significant changes, is probably going to get your sabbatical request rejected, which could cause a rift between yourself and your employer. You could always quit in such circumstances, because life’s too short…
Otherwise, it’s best to plan your sabbatical well ahead of time and work with your employer to ensure that any important aspects of your job are covered well in advance. Of course, there is also your mental and physical health needs to take into account, too. Sometimes this may dictate when you need to take the time off.
All that said, and acknowledging that we said there was no correct answer to the question, a standard paid sabbatical lasts for 6 months.
FINANCING A SABBATICAL
Most people can’t afford to take an extended period of time off work, so financing a sabbatical can be tricky. If you’re taking a sabbatical between jobs, then you may have to live off savings before going back to work. If you don’t have sufficient money saved then you may need to save towards this for a number of years in preparation.
If you are taking a sabbatical from an existing job, then you will need to check the terms of your contract or negotiate with your employer. Some employers may only allow you the time off, with a guarantee of your job when you return. Others may fund a sabbatical either partially or fully. It’s worth negotiating this into your contract when you’re joining a company, if you have the foresight to do so.
If you are planning on studying during the time you’re away, then there’s the possibility that you may be eligible for a grant or loan.
Whatever the case, ensure that you can afford to take a sabbatical, both financially and in terms of your time and career progression, so that you don’t spend the year in a state of anxiety; this would rather defeat the purpose of taking time away.
Read: 7 tips to make the most of your sabbatical
THE BENEFITS OF A SABBATICAL
As mentioned previously, a sabbatical can have a host of benefits for both individuals and the companies they work for. Here are just a few:
Health
A sabbatical isn’t always taken for the purpose of taking care of one’s mental or physical health, but many people do decide to take one for this reason. The COVID pandemic has put a renewed emphasis on our work/life balance and avoiding burnout at work. The stigmas around this are beginning to disappear as people start taking care of their own health as a priority.
If you are taking a sabbatical for health reasons, it’s a good idea to have a plan for moving towards a healthier lifestyle and getting any medical or psychological treatment you might need whilst you make the most of your away from home.
Perspective
It’s easy to get wrapped up in your career to the detriment of your health, family, friends and hobbies. Time away from work can give you the distance that you need to reset your perspective on things, helping you zero in on what’s truly important to you, both in terms of your personal life and career.
Taking this ethos back to work with you when your sabbatical is over can give you a much better balance going forward, and may even benefit your output when at work, too.
A Career Path
Some people return from sabbatical and decide to make a major change to their careers, either by looking for another role or feeling renewed and invigorated about their existing one.
Many people find that when they return they have more energy and enthusiasm for their role and contribute to a company in ways they never have before. Which brings us neatly to…
THE BENEFITS TO EMPLOYERS
The opportunity for a sabbatical is starting to become a higher priority for workers. Accordingly, some employers have begun offering sabbaticals as an employee perk and a way to set themselves apart.
Read: 7 IDEAL ways to make your workplace more attractive to employees
Allowing employees to take sabbaticals does involve a significant investment on the part of an employer but the benefits can be immense. It can increase employee commitment and motivation as well as reduce employee turnover.
Ironically, disconnecting from day to day tasks at work might make it easier for employees to solve problems and make improvements within the workplace. One such example is often observed within the academic profession; when an academic takes a break from their teaching duties, they often make great strides in their other research.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Taking a sabbatical at the right time can be a life-changing experience. It can give you the opportunity to recharge your batteries, really think about what you want in life and gain clarity of perspective on both your personal life and career.
Now, we’re off to speak to our boss about some taking time off…