The trend for taking sabbatical leave is growing, with many people viewing them as a key workplace incentive. While it might seem counter-intuitive for people to take time out from their roles at work, the fresh perspectives they gain can prove invaluable to their long-term growth.
It can also be a powerful recruitment tool. Offering sabbaticals as part of a company’s benefits package appeals to skilled individuals looking to join and motivates them to stay for the long-term.
As an employee owned business, our way of working is rooted in the EO beliefs of putting people first. Prioritising colleagues’ wellbeing, whether that is through offering sabbaticals or the various wellbeing initiatives we all enjoy here on our ‘Wellbeing Wednesdays’, encourages a culture of innovation and creativity. A business is only as strong as its people and a happy productive team benefits everyone.
Allowing people to take time out to pursue their passions outside of work means they return with even greater enthusiasm and purpose, while feeling valued and supported at work. Within the context of an EOB, sabbaticals also reinforce the idea that everyone is a valued stakeholder in the company’s success, beyond just their immediate contributions.
From Breaks to Breakthroughs
For Ellie and Melissa, two adventurous MindWorks souls, the positive benefits of their sabbaticals have been long-lasting both personally and professionally.
Account Manager Ellie returned from five months in South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand brimming with new-found confidence and a positive outlook. From heart-pounding canyon swings, to building connections with diverse people, Ellie’s experiences pushed her beyond her comfort zone and showed her the power of resilience and self-belief. “I do feel like I have changed,” she reflects. “I’ve become more confident within myself and realised I’m more capable than I give myself credit for, which I believe will help further my professional growth.”
Account Executive Melissa’s two-month journey in Australia, South East Asia and the Middle East was equally transformative. Melissa has a fear of heights, so one memorable experience, a hike to a summit 500m above sea level in 35+ degree heat, proved both a physical and mental challenge. “Our group had to keep pushing and motivating each other to make sure we could all make it to the top. Even though the further we got, the scarier it became, I was determined to achieve it. Conquering my fear helped me believe I have the inner strength to face challenges head-on at work and personally.”
Why sabbaticals are a win-win for businesses:
- Personal growth and development – exploring new interests, cultures and perspectives creates more well-rounded confident individuals
- Enhanced creativity and innovation – fresh ideas and perspectives are brought back to the workplace, encouraging a problem-solving, creative approach
- Flexibility and adaptability – Accommodating the varied aspirations of ambitious staff attracts top talent and boosts retention
- Promoting diversity – Fostering a more inclusive, globally-aware workforce with a diversity of experiences, leads to better collaborative, problem-solving skills.
At MindWorks, we believe that offering sabbaticals is good for people and good for business. Happy, fulfilled staff consistently go above and beyond in the services they deliver, which is why we are able to exceed the expectations of our clients in everything we do.
