Before you think about getting a sabbatical, ensure you find out exactly what is in store for you. What exactly is a sabbatical? Sabbatical is also known as leave of absence, and it is gaining more popularity among employers. Present-day employers know all about the benefits of letting the employees take some time off and most of them without paying them. It’s a win-win situation for them as it boosts productivity.
Top Benefits of a Sabbatical Leave
Your employer wants you to take leave because perhaps he/she wants you to have a lower turnover of employees and get some energy back into the workforce. There has been a lot of research on how periodic employee time-off can boost the country’s performance.
Speaking from an employee’s perspective, a sabbatical can mean taking a break from the current job. And this time could be useful to shift the focus on something which needs their attention. In some cases, it may also improve your future in numerous ways. Why should you take a sabbatical? Well, some people do so to pursue their interests. Some people take it to take care of an ailing family member, while others are too caught up in their daily humdrum life and want to take a break and pursue adventure.
Think about your Finances Before you Leap
Is it the right time for you to take a sabbatical? Well, that’s what you need to find out before you can consider taking one. Things that need your focus are how long your sabbatical will be, all about your company policy, and whether your employer may cut a major chunk of your salary during the time of a sabbatical.
There are a few employers who decide to pay you a salary while taking a sabbatical. The question hovers around your plans on returning to work after a sabbatical. Give a thorough look at your sabbatical agreement form to look for a clause. There may be hidden clauses for you to work a certain number of months after taking a sabbatical before thinking of quitting.
Most employers will expect you to work for a few months after your sabbatical as they pay for the time off. Fulfill your part of the agreement so you don’t leave the company on a bad note. In most cases, an employer will grant an unpaid sabbatical leave, so look after your finances and see if they are strong enough to support you during the time of the sabbatical break.
You May Not Be Able to Work During a Sabbatical
Whether you are opting for paid or unpaid leave, you will need permission from your employer to think of working for another concern. For that, you have to read between the lines of your agreement to find out all about the conditions.
A sabbatical means officially you are still working for the company. It is best to find out if you can take up new work during the sabbatical break. Problems can start arising if you think of working for your present employee’s rival. Check and explore all the options thoroughly with your HR and only then walk down the sabbatical path.
You May Not be Able to Enjoy Work Benefits During a Sabbatical
Your employer may still be paying for all the benefits of an employee while you are on a sabbatical. Some of the benefits include health insurance, phone subscription, car, and many more. In most cases, if you do not get paid during the sabbatical, they may revoke those benefits.
Understand and do thorough research and find out the impact revoking these benefits will mean to you. And this is especially true if the financial repercussions will affect your budget.
A Minimum Working Time for a Sabbatical
Employers may often grant you a sabbatical if you have been working at their company for a certain period before you can think of taking a sabbatical. This may range from company to company. And in some cases, it may turn out to be 2 to 6 years, depending on the position you hold and your company policy.
You have to work for two to six years since your return to work after a sabbatical before taking another sabbatical.
Also, an employer may consider giving you a sabbatical only if they think you are worthy of getting one. So, time your sabbatical right and only then consider getting one.