The idea of a work sabbatical may seem far-fetched, but it’s something more modern employees and even their employers are embracing. A work sabbatical can last for varying lengths of time, but it’s usually for a few months. It’s an extended time off work, and it often involves traveling as well.
You may be wondering about the specifics of how you make a work sabbatical actually happen. For example, how much should you save beforehand, how would your family send money abroad if you needed it, and how could you work out the details with your boss? These are all important considerations, but before getting into these details, why do people take sabbaticals in the first place?
 

Recharge and Reenergize

The concept of burnout is a big problem not just for employees on a personal level. It’s a problem for their employers as well. Employees are working long hours, and they’re feeling the strain of fast-paced and competitive jobs and work environments.
The result is that employees tend to feel tired and generally worn out with work. Then, inevitably productivity and engagement decline.
A sabbatical can help combat employee burnout, which is good on a personal level, but also good for employers and it’s one of the big reasons more companies are embracing the idea.
When employees take a sabbatical, they often return to their position feeling refreshed and as if it’s a whole new job.

Innovation

Whether you work for someone else, or you have your own business, being innovative and creative is essential. Innovation is what sets a successful business apart from one that isn’t as competitive.
Taking a sabbatical is a good way to boost creativity and ultimately innovation as a result. It gives you the opportunity to see things differently and change your perspective in a way that can then allow you to bring new ideas to your work. You’re more open-minded when you travel and see other places, and that can have some serious benefits professionally, as well as personally.

Achieving Personal Goals

Sometimes we’re so busy with our professional goals that we forget about personal goals. Personal goals can be as simple as meeting new people or maybe learning a new language. When you’re grinding away at work day in and day out, it can start to feel like you never have time to achieve what you want personally.
A sabbatical allows for this time, and it can rewarding and gratifying to know that you’re reaching goals outside your career.

Improved Physical Health

Finally, the stress we experience at our jobs and in our daily lives correlates not only with mental health but also physical health. From the impact of being sedentary to the burden stress can take on our bodies, the damage can be far-reaching.
Taking a work sabbatical allows for the time to improve physical health and take away some of the stress that can cause everything from weight gain to chronic fatigue.
 
Have you considered taking a work sabbatical?
What would you like to do?
Share your thoughts and comments with us.
 

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