What’s So Radical About Sabbatical?

from Heigh Ho — Work and Wellbeing Hosted by Bob Merberg

This episodes includes 3 ways sabbaticals enhance employee wellbeing while creating opportunities and the 3 pillars of good sabbatical policies. When first awakened to the sabbatical idea, I reacted skeptically. I’ve since seen that most medium and large companies can offer sabbaticals — longer, paid sabbaticals. Some advocates hail sabbatical as a solution for burnout. But time off, in the absence of a broader strategy, is just an anti-burnout placebo. That’s probably why Kira Schabram, Matt Bloom, and DJ DiDonna advise employers: "If you facilitate sabbaticals before employees are pushed to the brink, most will return with renewed energy and greater clarity… Listen to and work with returnees pitching you new projects, requesting transfers, or embracing leadership opportunities." This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit heighho.substack.com