How many of you need a few days to unwind before you begin to relax and enjoy a vacation, only to realize that it's almost time to return to work? That isn't as much of a problem if you're lucky enough to take a sabbatical, or an extended break from work.
When you hear the word " sabbatical, " you probably think of university professors who earn a year off to conduct research or teach overseas. Sabbaticals are definitely most prevalent in the education field, though many corporations also offer this benefit to reward longstanding employees. I've heard of such programs at Apple, Intel, Wells Fargo Bank and Xerox, among others. Workers might use this time to travel, learn a new skill, volunteer, or spend time with the family.
Just over 20% of organizations offer sabbaticals, according to results from the Society for Human Resources Management's 2000 benefits survey. As you might guess, unpaid leave is most common: 17% of all respondents offer this type of sabbatical. Only 4% of surveyed companies offer paid sabbaticals.
However, the odds get a lot better if you work for a firm that has more than 5,000 employees. Of those, 33% offer unpaid sabbaticals, and 12% offer paid sabbaticals.
Why would a company offer sabbaticals? For one, employers are concerned about recruitment and retention. And second, productivity may improve when workers come back refreshed and recharged.
If you're eligible for a sabbatical, start planning in advance. How much time can you afford to take away from work, and how do you plan to spend your break? You'll need to apply for the sabbatical, work out a schedule, and perhaps even train those who will cover for you while you're gone.
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Amy Schurr is an editor for Network World's Management Strategies and Features sections. If you have any career topics you'd like her to cover or want to comment on this newsletter, you can reach her at aschurr@nww.com.
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Network World, 03/08/99
Why give employees sabbaticals? To reward, relax and recharge.
