One of the benefits of the pandemic was a new focus on work/life balance and employee mental health. It’s led to an increase in sick days used and an increased level of flexibility for many employers. It turns out there’s another rising trend: taking sabbaticals.
Here’s Five Fast Facts About Sabbaticals:
- 🚪A What? - A sabbatical is basically a break from work that allows you to pursue your personal or professional interests or just rest. It is separate from your vacation time or other PTO.
- 📚 Companies Allow This? - Yes! Sabbatical leave is most common in educational institutions for professors and instructors. However 15% of employers were offering sabbaticals in 2018, but only 5% offered paid sabbatical leave. It’s usually granted after a certain number of years of employment. For example, Adobe grants one after five and 10 years.
- 📊 Who Does This? - It’s gaining popularity with Gen Z, of course — 8% of workers aged 22-26 take one, with 7.6% of those aged 27-34 using them. It’s also largely women with 7.2% on sabbatical, compared to 6.3% of men.
- 🛥️ How Do I Take One? - Do your research. Does your company offer unpaid leave? Are there any gray areas about leave that you can use? Make your plan, meet with your supervisor and then with HR.
- ✈️ What Do I Do? - Whatever you want! Sabbaticals are designed to get your mind off the stress of your job and focus on whatever you love or developing professional skills.
🔥Bottom line: If you’re burnt out, a sabbatical might be exactly what you need. But remember that it’s probably unpaid. If you’re going to take one, make sure you have the money in the bank you’d need to support yourself. And most importantly – don’t think about your job at all.
Do you know anyone who’s taken a sabbatical?
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