How a work sabbatical can help you

After several years of tirelessly working through projects, boss' demands and seemingly impossible deadlines, US-based banker Manish Patel simply needed a pause. "I wanted some time to focus on myself and my personal growth, to step back and reflect. I needed some time away from the chaos, the action to come back inspired and transformed." Patel opted to take a 12-week sabbatical from his then workplace, American Express, and devoted time to two subjects particularly close to his heart - leadership development and community service. He explains, "I conducted an intensive leadership development programme for the so-called high risk youth of my area. The sabbatical was planned to coincide with the summer holidays, so the youngsters were relatively free.It was great fun to be surrounded by young energy. The feeling of doing something meaningful and making a difference to so many people's life is so empowering."

What is a sabbatical? Explains Sumedha Nag, Vice President, Human Resources at Alpha Tech Engineering, "Sabbaticals are planned, strategic job pauses that allow you to travel, do research, volunteer, learn a new skill or fulfill a lifelong dream. The most meaningful sabbaticals are planned ones - with specific goals and objectives designed to benefit both you and your company. A sabbatical is an opportunity for intentional reflection, professional development, personal growth, transformative insights and renewed passion."

It is crucial to recognise that a sabbatical is not akin to a holiday or vacation. They are more about relaxation and re juvenation than reflection and growth.

While some companies allow workers an unrestricted time away, others have specific requirements and objectives. For example, some sabbatical programmes are geared towards community service or innovation research.

Benefits galore When talking about offering sabbaticals, the benefits to the employer are many. The most crucial benefit is that it allows organisations to attract and retain talented, high potential employees. In industries where burnout is particularly high, a sabbatical is a great way of allowing employees to take an inspiring break. "An organisation which offers sabbaticals is viewed by potential employees as one which cares about its people and their growth, making it a top choice.Further, a sabbatical can offer restless top performers the chance to stretch themselves - without jumping jobs."

As the adage goes - a happy employee is a productive employee. Employees returning after a sabbatical pack in boundless enthusiasm and energy. Stepping back from the workplace also allows employees to disengage from the trivial details and see the bigger picture more clearly. They are also able to reimagine their roles in new ways - adding a whole new perspective. Finally, when a senior individual takes a sabbatical, those around are forced to pitch in.This is good a breeding ground for future leaders, giving them the opportunity to learn and shine.

Personal takeaways Sabbaticals don't only make good business sense - they also make good career sense for employees.Stepping out of your daily rut leads to new learning about yourself. Selfawareness is critical to growing into higher leadership positions. Sabbaticals also make individuals far more inspiring in a personal (and not just professional) capacity - because it is only when you understand your personal goals and achieve those dreams that you can inspire others to follow suit. The pause will also help power your creative juices and also make you mentally agile.

Shares investment banker Sharad Gupta, who recently took a sabbatical through his employer Goldman Sachs, "It feels like a fresh lease of life - I felt the same levels of energy as when I joined my first job, many years ago. I felt so full of creativity, enthusiasm, focus and optimism on a personal level. Of course, this boosted my professional productivity immensely, making it a win-win situation for both me and the organisation."