Exploring the Value of Sabbaticals

Sabbaticals are rarely discussed, despite being a viable option for many workers. Could this be the lifeline that so many are searching for?

Jonathan Malesic, author of "The End of Burnout: Why Work Drains Us and How to Build Better Lives," emphasizes that “you can’t simply rest your way out of burnout. It’s about the mismatch between your work ideals and the reality of your job. Without making changes, you risk falling back into the same miserable situation.”

At my previous workplace, there was an employee named Rick, a 33-year-old director of estimating who had rapidly climbed the corporate ladder. He always seemed cheerful, so I was shocked when a colleague informed me, “Don’t send that email to Rick; he’s taking three months off.”

I spoke to his brother, who expressed sadness, saying, “He’s been pushing himself too hard. He needs time for self-reflection.” This company seldom offered sabbaticals, but they valued Rick enough to provide him with this opportunity.

Rick took his three-month break, and another employee filled in for him temporarily. Upon his return, he only stayed for a month before leaving his high-paying job to become an independent mortgage broker. Although he may not earn as much, he thrives in his new lifestyle.

Surprisingly, many organizations already have sabbaticals built into their systems, though employees might be unaware. For instance, my spouse’s university offers sabbaticals, typically paired with some form of ongoing assignment. Employees can take the time to write a book or develop new skills, all while still receiving compensation.

A sabbatical can also serve as an essential healing period, allowing individuals to reconnect with family, mend strained relationships, and return to work reenergized.

The Benefits of Taking a Sabbatical

Organizations can also reap rewards from offering sabbaticals. An HR Trends survey found that 65% of employees experience burnout, leading to unplanned absences and approximately $47.6 billion in lost productivity annually.

Research published by the Harvard Business Review, conducted by Kira Schabram and Matt Bloom, indicates that sabbaticals significantly enhance mental wellbeing and long-term job performance. Businesses can benefit by providing sabbaticals under appropriate circumstances.

It’s also important to consider how often one should take a sabbatical. Some studies suggest that the advantages diminish over time, so it’s wise to implement strategies to manage workload or plan for future breaks to alleviate stress. A sabbatical should not merely be viewed as a vacation; it’s an opportunity for introspection.

Generational Perspectives on Sabbaticals

Older generations may struggle to grasp the significance of taking a sabbatical. My father worked over 60 hours a week for many years, which I find hard to comprehend. He was passionate about his career, and he might dismiss the idea of a sabbatical, but that doesn’t make it invalid.

However, a more conservative viewpoint might appreciate the origins of the sabbatical, which trace back to the Old Testament and the idea of a "sabbatical year." During this time, agricultural fields were left untended, and debts were forgiven. Historical traditions emphasize the need for rest, as burnout has always been a concern. Without adequate breaks, our well-being suffers.

When I was overwhelmed and overworked, even the simplest tasks became monumental. Engaging with friends, making phone calls, and planning outings felt burdensome. Work had drained my energy, leaving me feeling like a mere shell of my former self.

The Importance of Reflection

Your mental health is a priority, especially since our time on this planet is limited. Reflect on your legacy. Author Bronnie Ware documented the most common regrets of the terminally ill, with the most frequent being, “I wish I had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.”

A sabbatical offers a chance to reassess your goals and determine if your current pace aligns with your true desires or if you’re merely fulfilling others' expectations. If you find that your path is genuine, that’s wonderful. If not, at least you’ve taken the time to consider your purpose before it’s too late.

There’s no specific duration for a sabbatical, but most tend to last more than a month. Alternatively, consider a mini-sabbatical, lasting 4-14 days, which may be more acceptable to your employer. These shorter breaks can offer similar benefits for mental wellbeing and productivity.

At the very least, it might be time to evaluate your workload and intentionally dial it back. Taking a break from the office transformed my life dramatically. I hope that others can experience similar benefits. Just ensure you use that time purposefully, asking yourself critical questions about what you truly want from life.