How would you like to take six months off work? Or maybe even a year?

Chances are, your first thought is, “Sounds great!” And your next thoughts are, “How will I pay for it? And what about my job?”

Of course, those are both good questions. But you might be surprised to learn that an increasing number of professionals are taking sabbaticals—periods of extended leave—with full approval of their employer. What’s more, they have the guarantee their job will be there for them when they return.

While sabbaticals used to be reserved for academics, they’re becoming more and more popular among people in other professions. Moreover, they can have some surprising benefits for you and your employer.

How you can benefit from a sabbatical

A sabbatical was originally intended to be a time of rest. However, over the years, it developed into an opportunity to pursue alternative yet work-related interests. Many now academics use it to do dedicated research or write a book. Many Millennials, however, in line with their overall desire for a good work-life balance, self-development, and socially meaningful work, use sabbaticals to spend time abroad, explore totally different sectors, or both. In her BBC Capital article titled “The surprising benefits of a mid-career break,” Elizabeth Garone explains that pursuing a different interest can broaden your perspective and teach you skills you haven’t had the opportunity to develop in your regular job. For example, some people spend time doing volunteer work, which, due to much lower operating budgets, typically requires considerable creative improvisation and problem solving in situations where a business person could simply purchase the necessary product or service. In addition, spending time away from work can increase your enthusiasm to return to work and put your new knowledge and skills to work in the job you already do so well.

How your employer can benefit from offering you a sabbatical

Logically speaking, you wouldn’t expect an employer to agree to you taking extended leave for no reason other than to broaden your horizons. Yet nothing could be further from the truth. With the majority of employers struggling to retain top talent, the promise of a sabbatical after seven or eight years of service is a powerful engagement and retention tool. What’s more: employers are well aware that when they support their employees in their pursuit of meaningful projects, they’re more likely to feel empowered—and this contributes to improved performance. Finally, they also know that employees often return with more knowledge and skills, as well as an increased passion for their jobs. Of course, there are some employees who discover a new passion and eventually leave the company. Yet even this attrition can be turned into a win by maintaining good relationships with alumni and asking them to refer new recruits, as well as business opportunities.

In the Fortune article titled “These 19 Great Employers Offer Paid Sabbaticals,” Lucinda Shen lists companies that not only support sabbaticals, but actually pay their employees’ salaries while they’re on leave. Notable examples include Adobe Systems, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Autodesk, and The Cheesecake Factory.

Asking for a sabbatical

If your company’s handbook doesn’t state any information regarding sabbaticals, it’s still fine to ask for one. However, be prepared to hear, “No,” since not all employers are receptive to the idea. You can enhance your chances of success by knowing exactly how long you want to take off work; what you want to do; how this activity will benefit your employer upon your return to work; and how your employer can ensure business continuity in your absence.

Taking a sabbatical might seem scary, but it can be a satisfying career move that benefits both you and your employer.

Sources:

http://www.bbc.com/capital/story/20160325-the-surprising-benefits-of-a-mid-career-break
http://fortune.com/2016/03/07/best-companies-to-work-for-sabbaticals/
https://us.experteer.com/magazine/the-benefits-of-workplace-sabbaticals

This article originally appeared at: http://www.kellyservices.us/US/Business-Services/Business-Resource-Center/Management-Tips/Why-You-Should-Consider-Taking-a-Sabbatical/?hid=RC

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