Lisa’s Sabbatical to Change Course
Lisa's sabbatical helped her change course, taking a leap into something new.
"My sabbatical helped give me the confidence to take more chances and pursue more inspirational projects."
Over 75% of people in our study who were offered a sabbatical by their companies returned. These sabbatical-takers came back refreshed and engaged, with a realistic idea of how work can fit into—and enable—a life outside of work. Companies are made up of people. Enacting policies that recognize the full-person engenders loyalty and creates evangelists for company culture.
Exploring new places, learning how to live differently, or revisiting a dormant hobby or passion not only impacts the individual, but spreads throughout their teams and the broader company. Creative thinking enables solutions to difficult and unforeseen problems; it’s also infectious.
Companies that have adopted sabbatical policies learn how to better distribute responsibilities and also what breaks (or works better) in someone’s absence. Junior employees enjoy growth opportunities. Managers signal that taking time off is a part of life and work. Whether it’s temporary leave—like parental or FMLA—or permanent departures, your company will be better equipped for transitions.
Buffer introduces sabbaticals to deal with start-up growing pains: burnouts among the employees that helped start the company.
The owner of Buffer provides personal reasons for introducing sabbaticals.
“Six weeks is 11.5% of a teammate’s productivity time in the year of their sabbatical but only 2.3% of their overall five-year journey with Buffer. That math was helpful to put into perspective that the overall benefit to the company and our teammates’ health and growth were well worth the cost.”
Design firm Deeson mandates sabbaticals to the company, and then shares his own personal sabbatical experience.
“People don’t leave very often at Deeson- that’s a great problem to have. We want to recognise and reward the people who are sharing this journey with us and build a sustainable model with them. Giving sabbaticals at the five-year mark allows us to honour the long term relationships we’ve built so far and give them firm foundations for another five years.”
Zillow adds a sabbatical program for employees, after 6-years, in an attempt to capture more employee productivity
“When people came back, they were excited to come back. Their minds were clear, they were able to solve problems and approach work in a different way and point of view.”
Recruiting firm Hunter Selection uses a sabbatical program to help drive interest from young talent, and to improve general worker well-being.
“While staff are free to do what they want during the two-month stint, the company hopes that it will be used for personal development or as a chance to work on community projects at home or abroad.”
Lisa's sabbatical helped her change course, taking a leap into something new.
"My sabbatical helped give me the confidence to take more chances and pursue more inspirational projects."
Tinenechi uses her sabbatical to complete her Master's, embrace motherhood, and rebuild around faith, family, and purpose.
My sabbatical was the unwritten chapter that taught me to listen, to learn, and to lead a life where balance isn't a goal, but a lived reality.
Kristen's healing sabbatical takes her from walking the Camino to volunteering in Africa; along the way, reconnecting with herself.
Sometimes what you really need is a little space to let your soul speak. It literally changed the course and direction of my life.
Wendy left her career as a Boston nurse practitioner for a career change sabbatical in Paris, at the edge of fear and excitement.
I'm scared but I'm excited, so I know it's what I want to do.
Stephanie left corporate for a bold career break across the U.S to embrace adventure and launch a new path as a self-employed coach.
My career became my identity and taking a break allowed me to creatively explore new parts of myself and re-focus on parts of myself I had been neglecting.
After a career pause, Leanne reclaims energy, clarity, & purpose—prioritizing family, redefining work, & choosing a life that fits her values.
My career pause was the BEST gift I could give to myself! The learnings and the positive impacts were much bigger than expected!
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