Ever had those times at work when you feel like your head is not engaged fully and you’re just going through the motions? Trust me, you’re not the only one. In a work culture that prefers hustle, there is burnout, and sometimes a long weekend doesn’t help, but a sabbatical does. A sabbatical is an opportunity for an employee to step away from their job, hit reset, and come back with a fresh perspective.
Whether you’re travelling the world, finally starting that passion project, or just taking time to breathe, a sabbatical is not just an escape from work; it is an investment in your health. More and more employees (and companies) are realizing that a break is not a privilege; it is a must. So if you’ve ever wanted to hit pause on work without quitting, now is the time to explore how a sabbatical could be the thing you’ve been waiting for.
Table of Contents
What is a Sabbatical?
A sabbatical is an extended break from employment in which (mostly) employees do not report to work but remain employed by the organization, and in most cases continue to get some sort of salary.
It is a chance to step away from the day-to-day responsibilities of the job, and to think about the possibilities for personal growth, side hustles, academic pursuits, travel, volunteering, or simply addressing physical and mental health needs. It’s an excellent opportunity to manage professional burnout and come back to work feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Sabbaticals can range in duration from business to business. Academic sabbaticals can last from six months to a year or longer. Private organizations usually offer shorter sabbaticals, typically one month to a few months in length, depending on how long an employee has been employed by the organization.
For example, an Adobe employee has access to a four-week sabbatical to use after five years of service and five weeks after ten years. While it is a sabbatical, the employee remains an employee of the company, although their role and/or job parameters may change depending on the company needs of the organization.
Most of the time, employees are required to have their sabbatical request a few months in advance of taking off and must ensure they meet the organization’s eligibility requirements. Furthermore, employees are required to follow any policies that relate to returning to work, such as an employment requirement for a certain period of time after returning from their sabbatical. In addition, while the employee is on leave, they still must abide by any policies of confidentiality or data protection.
Types of Sabbaticals
There are three types of sabbaticals, based on the individual motivations for taking one.
Working Holidays
A working holiday is unique in that it adopts a balance of work and rest. It is an ideal sabbatical for individuals who are extremely passionate or side-project focused and motivated but also want downtime to recharge. This type of sabbatical generally applies to someone who has a creative or entrepreneurial itch! It may be related to working for a non-profit organization, working at a think tank, or developing a business start-up.
On a working holiday, people work in intense bursts as they carry out their respective projects and then work in breaks that allow time to relax and forget about work and perhaps even get together with family or friends.
This notion of ‘intentional break’ is key to a working holiday – the ideal is to put in a good deal of effort at something you enjoy doing and balance that by not losing track of your personal relationships, some of which may have been pushed to the back burner while you were busy working.
Free Dives
Free dives appeal to the adventurers, wanderers, or those seeking transformation. Inspired by travel stories, self-discovery, or a lifestyle they wish to pursue, those who take this type of sabbatical yearn to break from the monotony for a reason greater than themselves.
The form of sabbatical usually has an urgency in the hoisting or tethering of sabbatical desire, meaning that once they have the time, there is a sense of drive for action – Henri Bouvier states, “If not now, when?” Often free dives are a search for new inspiration, new perspectives, or an ultimate connection with the world as a whole.
Quests
A quest-type sabbatical is sometimes kind of similar, but more importantly comes from what is often extreme burnout and exhaustion, usually due to unhealthy or toxic work environments or work expectations that are unsustainable. Unlike working holidays and free dives, ‘questers’ usually do not leave with a specific project or urgency.
The vast majority of questers are pushed into any kind of break/sabbatical because they simply can no longer continue to go on in a job that is taking their emotional, physical, or mental well-being.
The Psychological Benefits of Taking a Sabbatical
People today are facing more pressure than ever at work, and with it stress and burnout are becoming common. Workplaces that pressure employees to meet deadlines, reach targets, and chase other obligations can result in inadequate attention to mental and physical health. A sabbatical gives people the time to pause, regroup, and refocus on care and development needs, as well as their professional goals.
Here are just a few of the ways a sabbatical can help a person:
Reduce Stress and Restore Emotional Balance
A sabbatical can create an opportunity for a much-needed mental reset that reduces overall stress, anxious thoughts, and other symptoms of burnout, while also providing time for a person to simply care for themselves, relax, and build more compelling and healthier lifestyle habits. Research consistently demonstrates that a sabbatical can have demonstrable impacts on mental well-being, including lowering overall stress and cortisol levels for comparison.
In addition to reducing stress, stepping away from workplace demands can help restore emotional balance. For example, a marketing executive is not just managing his client expectations every day but is likely dealing with multiple deadlines for some type of project every day for years.
However, through the stop of a sabbatical, this person would be empowered to focus on what might include gaining fitness benefits and emotional healing by switching focus to meditating, hiking, or learning something new. Many participants who utilize sabbaticals often return feeling re-energized and less brain-fogged and ready to more successfully manage workplace challenges with more clarity.
Builds Resilience and Confidence
Taking on new challenges like travel, starting your own company, or trying a new hobby fosters resilience. If you seldom deal with uncertainty or are someone who rarely goes outside their comfort zone, you will be better prepared for challenges, and you will also become a more confident and adaptive person, which are critical life skills no matter the context, personally or professionally.
Being a software engineer, for example, who decides not only to take a break from a demanding, high-powered career but also turns that break into months of backpacking, crossing numerous countries, cities, and experiences, develops skills in adapting to new cultures (positive or negative), different languages (and the associated politics), and factors that lend themselves to unpredictable situations.
These are developed skills that improve problem-solving skills and even leadership skills in the workplace. The break away from work provides clarity for the individual and a realization that they can take reasonable, calculated risks and lead to some type of commitment (career progression, entrepreneurship, or something life-changing).
Strengthens Personal Relationships
Busy work schedules can create the perception of always being “on,” making it difficult to build/maintain/grow personal relationships. Taking a sabbatical allows them to really focus on family and friends and grow their network of social connections – which generally strengthens ties to their circle of support for emotional well-being.
For a parent who spends long hours at the office, missing important milestones in their child’s life, a sabbatical can offer the chance to reconnect, whether through travel, shared hobbies, or simply being present at home. Strengthening these relationships not only improves mental health but also creates a solid support system for when work resumes. Many people report that time away from work helped them rekindle old friendships or improve family dynamics that had been neglected due to professional commitments.
Enhances Self-Reflection and Creativity
Time away from work provides an opportunity for personal development, allowing individuals to reflect on their goals and aspirations. It helps individuals assess what truly brings them joy and fulfillment, leading to more intentional career decisions and life choices.
A finance professional, for example, may take a sabbatical and realize their passion lies not in corporate banking but in nonprofit work. This realization can lead to a career shift that brings greater satisfaction. Others may use the break to learn a new skill, enroll in a course, or start a new project that provides a sense of purpose.
Creativity thrives when given space to grow. Many people come back from sabbaticals with innovative ideas and a renewed sense of passion for their work. Some of the most successful entrepreneurs and professionals credit their breakthroughs to time spent away from their usual work environment.
The Workplace Benefits of Sabbaticals
Employers may worry about losing key talent for an extended period, but offering sabbaticals can actually be beneficial for organizations as well.
Increased Employee Satisfaction and Retention
Employees who know they have the option of taking a sabbatical feel valued and supported. This leads to higher job satisfaction, increased loyalty, and reduced turnover, saving companies the cost of hiring and training new employees.
A More Skilled Workforce
Some employees use sabbaticals to pursue further education or acquire new skills. When they return, they bring fresh insights, knowledge, and expertise that can contribute to the company’s success.
Stronger Workplace Culture
Companies that embrace sabbaticals create a culture of trust, flexibility, and well-being. When employees return refreshed and motivated, their energy can positively influence their teams and enhance overall workplace morale.
Finding that Balance
Taking a career break isn’t a sign of weakness or career stagnation. It’s an investment in long-term success, as work-life balance is essential for sustained mental well-being and career longevity. A sabbatical provides an opportunity to establish better habits, rethink priorities, and develop a healthier approach to work.
Companies that recognize the value of these breaks not only support their employees’ well-being but also encourage a more engaged, innovative, and loyal workforce. In the end, a well-rested mind is a more productive and fulfilled one.
Visit EvolveDash today for more practical tips on how to create a work-life balance to improve productivity, well-being, and overall quality of life.
FAQs
What is a sabbatical?
A sabbatical is an extended break from work, usually lasting from a few months to a year, allowing individuals to rest, explore new interests, or pursue personal development while still being employed.
Are sabbaticals paid or unpaid?
It depends on the employer. Some companies offer fully or partially paid sabbaticals as part of their benefits package, while others provide unpaid leave.
How does a sabbatical benefit mental health?
A sabbatical can reduce stress, prevent burnout, and improve emotional well-being by giving individuals the time and space to recharge and refocus on what truly matters to them.
How do I request a sabbatical from my employer?
Check your company’s policies and prepare a proposal outlining how your leave will be beneficial for both you and the organization. Request it well in advance to allow for smooth planning.
