What is a sabbatical?

If your employer doesn't already have a sabbatical scheme, you may want to request one. When you are making your case, be clear about the benefits on both sides. You might want to take up an opportunity for training or further education or develop your skills by working abroad for a charity. These benefits could be as great for your employer as for you yourself.

Generally, as a sabbatical is usually seen as a reward for long service, it can help organisations to keep skilled and experienced staff. In the United States, Tandem Computers found that employees rated sabbaticals as their most popular benefit.

Work out what the costs will be to the employer if you are hoping to take a paid sabbatical; or what savings there might be if you are intending to take an unpaid sabbatical. Find out if any other comparable organisations are offering sabbaticals and how they run them.

Further information

• New Ways to Work, 22 Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5AP (020 7930 3355) offers information on a range of flexible working patterns to individuals, unions and employers.
• Flexibility - the Home Office Partnership