Over time, maintaining a high level of professionalism can result in mental fatigue, and a drop in creativity and motivation – more commonly known as burnout. A sabbatical can offer the time you need to re-energize. Progressive companies know this and are paying heed. Due to unprecedented competition for talent, companies are embracing sabbatical policies to attract and keep employees. The result is high employee satisfaction, intellectual growth and especially, retention.

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Over time, maintaining a high level of professionalism can result in mental fatigue, and a drop in creativity and motivation – more
commonly known as burnout. A sabbatical can offer the time you need to re-energize. Progressive companies know this and are
paying heed. Due to unprecedented competition for talent, companies are embracing sabbatical policies to attract and keep
employees.Theresultishighemployeesatisfaction,intellectualgrowthandespecially,retention.
I recentlyhad the opportunityto take a sabbatical and it was one of the best decisions of mylife. It can be for you, too. Here are some
suggestionsonhowto take a sabbaticalthatwill impactyour lifeand careerforthe better.
‘Why’ MeansEverything
Ideally, this should be a milestone event in your life or the lives of others. Decide why you want to do it, and then weigh the
opportunities and/or consequences. Allow your plan to come together like you would the ingredients of your favorite dish. Make this
special timecount.That’swhatI did.
My company offers a paid sabbatical after seven years of employment. I wanted a compelling reason before I took one, and at 10
years that reason came. My husband and I had the opportunity to volunteer as tour guides at a local nature preserve for a group of
delegates visiting Atlanta from 30 countries. We studied the tour routes and animal behavior, created our own scripts, and since some
delegates were from Japan, we also had a crash course in Japanese. I found that I love the language and culture. I learned to tie a
kimono and simple conversation in Japanese. One tour site, the Chattahoochee Nature Center, is a rehabilitation center for injured
birds. I wasn’t a wildlife girl byany stretch of the imagination, but now I enjoybirds. I know the call of a Barred Owl and the song of the
Eastern Towhee,andI appreciatetheendearingqualitiesofthe BlackVulture. Theexperiencechangedmylife.
How Will You Spend YourTime?
Will you spend your sabbatical improving your health,continuing your education or learning a new skill? Perhaps you will take leave to
care for an elderly family member, write a book, raise children, visit an indigenous population or join a humanitarian mission. If
adventure is more up your alley, you could backpack in Bolivia, cycle the South of France, get a pilot’s license or climb Mt. Everest.
Thechoiceisyours.
What ActionsDo You Need to Take?
First, find out if your company has a sabbatical policy. Express your desire to your manager, along with your reasons for wanting to
take one. Being transparent will help to allayany fear associated with taking a sabbatical from work, and you maybe surprised by the
support you receive in return. A leave may or may not be paid time off, so talk with someone in the employee benefits department.
Second, make sure you give yourself and your employer plenty of time. I had six months to talk with my boss and formulate a plan.
We both neededthat time.
How to Go About Taking a Sabbatical
by
Dana Lawson
Treasury Management Specialist

2. www.lucasgroup.com
EXECUTIVE INSIGHTS - BLOG
www.careeradvice.lucasgroup.com
Createa No-PanicPlan ofAction
Talk with your superior so that the two of you can agree on a contingency plan. Offer suggestions to cover your duties while you’re
gone. Maybe a recruiter could assist in finding an ideal person to temporarilymanage your job, or someone in the office may be able
to fill in. Offeringsolutionsbeforeaskingfor somethinggoesalongway.
Employers don’t like losing good talent, even temporarily, but given the benefits to the employee, many companies view sabbaticals
as investments in the future. The experience will enrich your life, expand your mind, and enhance your company and co-workers.
Makeit count,lay solidgroundworkbeforeyou go– and mostof all, have the timeof your life!