A sabbatical is a planned, sustained break from work that gives an employee an opportunity for professional or personal renewal. Sabbaticals can be paid or unpaid. The time period varies from a month to six months or more. Some universities offer paid sabbaticals, as do some other kinds of employers.
Organizations with high stress occupations (e.g. teachers, lawyers, consultants, physicians) may use sabbaticals as a strategy to prevent burn-out. Other organizations use sabbaticals to reward service and retain skilled and experienced staff.
Often with a paid sabbatical there is an expectation that the employee will fulfill a work-related goal, such as engage in research or develop a new skill.
