Want to take a break from work? Here’s how to negotiate a sabbatical with your boss

Have you ever dreamed of taking a long break from work to pursue a personal project, take a training course, or travel the world? You’re not alone. Many workers share that dream. But then there’s the worry about losing your job, ruining your career path, and existing without that regular income. That’s where a work sabbatical can prove useful.

A work sabbatical is an extended period of time away from work, either paid or unpaid, that is agreed with your employer. Sabbaticals can be a great way to recharge your batteries, learn new skills, or explore fresh opportunities while keeping your existing job and maintaining your career path.

But how do you ask for a sabbatical from work? Let’s start with your legal rights as an employee.

Do you have a legal right to take a sabbatical?

Yes and no. There are no laws that require employers to provide their workers with sabbaticals, paid or unpaid. However, if your contract of employment includes a sabbatical policy, you and your employer must obey the stated rules and procedures. For instance, your contract of employment may include the option to ask for a sabbatical after you’ve worked for the company for three or four years.

How to ask for a sabbatical from work

How do you ask for a sabbatical from work in a way that improves your chances of success? Here are three steps that will clarify what you want, help you prepare, and provide you with a way forward whatever the outcome.

  Check company policy and your employment contract

Not every employer has a sabbatical policy in place but if they do, it can be a useful starting point for negotiations. A sabbatical policy will explain the rules and guidelines that both you and your employer must follow. For instance, a sabbatical policy should explain whether the leave is paid or unpaid, and if paid, what percentage of your salary you’ll receive during the sabbatical.

Here’s how to check whether your employer has a sabbatical policy:

• Start with your employment contract. Does it mention sabbaticals?
• Next, check your employee handbook and company policies and procedures. While employers don’t have to create an employee handbook, they should record company policies and procedures in writing. If you can’t access either document, ask your HR department for help. You don’t have to tell them exactly what you’re looking for. You could simply ask to view the policy about holidays and leave. Does the handbook or company policies mention sabbaticals?
• Finally, there may be information on the company website regarding sabbaticals.

If the company has a sabbatical policy, it will generally provide you with guidelines on how long you can take, whether it will be paid or unpaid, and what your employment status will be during your absence.

If there isn’t a sabbaticals policy, don’t worry. It may still be possible to negotiate a sabbatical from work.

  Put together a compelling case for a sabbatical

The next step is to create a persuasive case to take the sabbatical that will benefit your employer as much as you. From your manager’s point of view, you’re not only asking for time away from work. You’re making their lives more difficult because they’ll have to arrange cover for your workload and responsibilities. How can you persuade them that taking a sabbatical is a good idea?

For instance, you may want to take a sabbatical so that you can volunteer on a project that will teach you new skills that will be useful to your employer. Taking a sabbatical means that you’ll return as a more valuable employee.

Or you may want to take a sabbatical for health or family reasons, perhaps to avoid burn-out, recover fully from a period of ill health, or spend time with a sick loved one. The upside here is that you’ll return to work as a healthier and more focussed employee.

Figure out your reasons for taking the sabbatical and how it will increase your worth to your employer.

  Arrange a meeting with your boss

You know the company’s policy, your reasons for wanting to take a sabbatical, and how time away from work will benefit your employer. Now it’s time to arrange a meeting with your manager and present your case.

Plan ahead

Plan what you’ll say in the meeting to reduce any nerves and make sure that you have a clear understanding of what you’re asking for. Your plan should include:

• why you want to take a sabbatical
• how long you’d like to be away from work and when
• how it will improve your value as an employee.

Decide which details of your sabbatical you’re willing to negotiate, for instance, taking your extended break during the company’s quiet months.

Finally, make a list of questions you want to ask. You might want to clarify what your employment status will be while you’re away, or what will happen to your work pension during your absence.

During the meeting

On the day, take a written note of what you’re asking for, including any questions you may have. State your case but be willing to negotiate too.

After the meeting

At the end of the meeting, thank your manager for their time and consideration. Ask when you can expect a decision. Don’t be afraid to follow-up if you don’t receive a decision on time.

If the answer is yes

If they agree to your sabbatical, confirm the details and next steps in writing. It’s important that you know what will happen in the run-up to your sabbatical and while you’re away. If you need clarity on any detail, this is the time to ask.

If the answer is no

If they say no or postpone your sabbatical, ask for their reasons, and try to understand their perspective. You can either accept their decision or appeal it with more evidence or alternatives.

Wrapping it up

Taking a work sabbatical can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning and communication with your employer. Work out your reasons for wanting to take a long break from work, what you’re willing to negotiate, and what benefits your sabbatical will have for your employer. Offer as much help as you can and make sure you have the full picture of what taking a sabbatical will mean for your career.