Burnout is a real issue for many employees today. In fact, the Deloitte Mental Health Report states that 55% of employees are experiencing burnout, which is affecting their productivity.

Not to mention that mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, have skyrocketed in recent years, particularly since COVID-19.

So, what can you as an HR manager do to support your employees, reduce their burnout, and boost productivity?

Have you explored sabbaticals for your employees?

In recent years, there has been an increase in sabbaticals, largely due to the Great Resignation. Sabbaticals are an excellent way for employees to take time off from work to focus on personal goals and interests. For leaders, they can be an ideal remedy to workplace stress and contribute to a stronger and more successful workforce.

In this blog, we will highlight what a sabbatical means and what its benefits are. We will also explain how you can create an effective sabbatical program.

What Is Sabbatical Leave?

Sabbaticals are extended breaks from work that employees can typically take for the purposes of rest, rejuvenation, and professional or personal growth. The length of a sabbatical can vary depending on the organization, but usually, it lasts several months to a year. During this time, the employee can pursue further education, travel, explore their hobbies, or simply take time off to relax.

Why Offer Sabbatical Leave?

Employers offer sabbatical leaves for several reasons, including:

1. Reduce Burnout

Sometimes the best way to combat that stress is to get a change of scenery and time away from the office. A month or two away from your job may be the perfect way to restore balance in your life. Taking a sabbatical can provide employees with an opportunity to step back from their regular work routine and recharge. It helps them alleviate symptoms of burnout.

2. Retain Employees

COVID-19 brought all our plans to a sudden halt. After getting over the initial surprise, the feeling of stagnation was and is prevalent in individuals. The majority of the workforce decided to ride the wave and took up opportunities abroad. Peer pressure is increasing among the young workforce. Employee sabbaticals can be an innovative way to provide a temporary break to an employee rather than losing them to boredom-induced attrition. By offering sabbaticals, employers can show their commitment to their employee’s personal and professional growth. It helps to increase employee morale and job satisfaction when they return to work.

3. Develop Skills

Sabbaticals provide an opportunity for employees to learn new skills outside of their usual job responsibilities. This could include attending conferences, workshops, or classes, or pursuing personal projects that require them to learn new skills. This can help employees develop new skills and expertise, which they can then bring back to the workplace.

4. Foster Loyalty

When employers offer a sabbatical to employees, it demonstrates that they trust their employees. It also demonstrates that employers believe in their employees’ ability to take a long break from work and return refreshed. This can help employees feel valued and appreciated, which can increase their loyalty to the company.

Overall, sabbaticals can be beneficial for both the employee and the employer. Employers can improve morale, retain top talent, and increase productivity by offering sabbaticals to their employees.

How Long Are Sabbaticals?

The length of an employee’s sabbatical can vary, depending on the company’s policies, goals, and country of employment. Usually, the length of a sabbatical leave ranges from one month to a year. Some organizations may offer a one-month sabbatical for every five or ten years of service. Others may offer a six-month sabbatical once every ten years.

Are Sabbaticals Paid?

The terms and conditions of sabbatical leaves vary greatly from company to company. Some employers offer sabbaticals as a paid benefit, while others provide a combination of paid and unpaid time off. Some employers may also have specific requirements that must be met for an employee to be eligible for sabbaticals. These requirements may include the length of service or meeting certain performance targets.

How to Create an Effective Sabbatical Program?

Implementing an effective employee sabbatical program is an investment, particularly for startups If not executed properly, it can also be messy on multiple levels. Here are some tips to keep in mind when rolling out an effective sabbatical program.

• Define the objectives of the program: Determine why you want to offer a sabbatical program, what you hope to achieve, and what the criteria for participation will be.
• Decide on the length and frequency of the sabbatical: Consider how long the sabbatical should be, how often it should be offered, and who is eligible.
• Develop a selection process: Decide how employees will be selected for the sabbatical program and what criteria will be used.
• Establish guidelines and policies: Develop clear policies and guidelines for the sabbatical program, including how it will be funded and what activities are allowed. Also, it is important to consider how work will be managed during the employee’s absence.
• Communicate the program to employees: Ensure that all employees are aware of the sabbatical program and its requirements. Also, do provide employees with the necessary information regarding how to apply for the program.
• Provide support for employees: Provide support for employees during the planning and execution of their sabbatical. It can include things like guidance on budgeting, travel arrangements, and work arrangements during their absenc e.
• Evaluate the program: Regularly evaluate the employee sabbaticals to determine its effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and make changes as needed.

Disadvantages of Sabbaticals

While sabbaticals can offer many benefits, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider:

1. Increase in Cost

Providing a sabbatical can be expensive for employers, as they may need to hire temporary staff. They may also need to pay for additional training for employees returning from a sabbatical. The cost of employee sabbaticals can be a significant factor for smaller organizations or those with limited budgets.

2. Disruption of Workflow

When an employee takes a sabbatical, it can disrupt the workflow and cause delays in projects. This can impact team productivity. It also leads to additional work for other team members who have to cover for the absent employee.

3. Difficulty in Finding a Replacement

Finding the right temporary replacement for an employee on sabbatical can be challenging. Especially, if the employee has specialized skills or knowledge that are critical to the organization’s operations. The temporary replacement may require extensive training, which can also add to the cost and time required for a sabbatical.

4. Possible Skill Obsolescence

There is a possibility that the employee’s skills may become outdated during their absence. However, it depends on the length of the sabbatical and the industry or field. This could mean that the employee may struggle to catch up upon their return or require additional training to bring them up to speed.

5, Risk of Losing Employees

While sabbaticals can help with employee retention, there is always a risk that an employee may not return from their sabbatical. They may also decide to leave the organization after their break.

Overall, sabbaticals can have some potential drawbacks, but these can often be managed through careful planning and communication with employees. Employers should consider these factors when deciding whether to offer sabbaticals and how to structure them. It will help them ensure they provide maximum benefits to both employees and the organization.

Conclusion

Sabbaticals are not provided by every organization, and they may not be the ideal option for every employee. However, rolling out a sabbatical leave policy can be extremely beneficial to both employees and employers if executed correctly. It does not just benefit those that take it, but it always benefits your entire team. Especially in this age of distributed work, increased stress, and anxiety, it can be a valuable perk for retaining key talent.