What is a sabbatical leave?

A sabbatical leave is a career break, usually between one and three months, that enables employees to pursue personal goals, reflect, and rejuvenate. Stemming from the old testament word, Shabbat, the weekly seventh day of rest, sabbaticals are not a new concept.

Why should HR leaders care about sabbaticals?

A sabbatical is a highly-desirable benefit; it offers precious free time to engage in activities that a full-time job may prevent employees from pursuing. Providing paid sabbaticals might seem pricey. Yet when employees step up to fill in for their colleagues, the transition can be seamless and the cost negligible. Moreover, empowering team-members to assume collective responsibility for a colleague on sabbatical deepens their knowledge while boosting camaraderie and loyalty.

How do sabbaticals improve company culture?

Sabbaticals provide an oasis for employees to disconnect from years of stress and reconnect to themselves. Taking time off for self-care, and helping colleagues do the same, can nurture employee wellbeing and strengthen interpersonal relationships. Investing in employees’ health is a way of reinvesting in the company, resulting in a happier workforce and a healthier company culture.

Resource Center

What is HR analytics?

HR analytics is a data-driven method of improving decisions that impact HR functions. HR analytics…

What is due diligence?

Due diligence is the inspection of a business agreement to assess its integrity and the…

3 tips for attracting top talent

Great companies are run by great people. Without investing in hiring and retaining top talent,…

woman working on laptop, woman drinking coffee in cozy indoor setting

Webinar: How to manage talent in a remote world: Bridging the gap between WFH and WFO (partnered with Teamtailor)

We’re seeing hiring return to pre-pandemic levels, but there are no signs of returning to…

WATCH NOW >

What is workforce analytics?

Workforce analytics is a method of monitoring and examining employees’ work productivity to improve workflow.

Metrics that matter: salary average and salary change

We work hard for the money, don’t we? It’s almost impossible to talk about work…

What is emotional intelligence in HR?

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to recognize and regulate emotions effectively.

What is deferred compensation?

Deferred compensation is a remuneration model that enables employees to postpone receiving a portion of…

business presentation, growth rate metrics

HR metrics that matter: employee growth rate

In this strange world, where it can feel like we’re treading water trying to stay…

smiling woman in pink shirt shaking hands with a professional in white shirt, vibrant background with text GIVE 'EM CREDIT, business handshake, positive interaction

3 reasons you should prioritize employee recognition

When your focus is building successful teams that work together as a seamless unit, it…

salary range penetration graphic with diverse people standing on coin stacks, emphasizing salary metrics, diverse group representing salary metrics analysis

Salary range penetration: a metric that matters

What should you be getting paid? It’s a tough question to answer. From the dreaded…

onboarding impact on employee retention, smiling professional in business attire holding documents in an office setting

What’s the connection between onboarding and retention?

Get this: 64% of employees are likely to leave a new job within their first…

What is a 360-degree review?

A 360-degree review is a feedback system that enables designated staff members, colleagues, and managers…

What is a confidentiality agreement?

A confidentiality agreement, also known as a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), is a binding contract between…

5 ways to grow, smiling woman holding orange binder with playful background shapes

5 ways to keep your HR career going and growing

Feel like your career is stalling out? It's natural. Maybe you've been in your company…