A step-by-step guide to understanding, requesting, and preparing for sabbatical leave

Let’s talk about the break that builds you

A sabbatical isn’t just time off, it’s time out. Time to reflect, recharge, explore, or grow in ways that your regular schedule doesn’t allow. Whether you’re burnt out, curious, or ready to deepen your skills, a sabbatical can be a transformative pause.

In academia, sabbaticals are often built into the rhythm of research and teaching. But in other sectors, they’re less common and sometimes misunderstood. This guide helps you navigate what a sabbatical is, how to ask for one, and what to consider before you step away.

Understand What a Sabbatical Is

Not all extended leave is a sabbatical. Get clear on the definition.

☑ A sabbatical is:

• A planned period of leave from work (usually several weeks to a year)
• Often used for rest, research, travel, volunteering, or study
• Sometimes paid, sometimes unpaid, depending on your employer
• Typically offered after a certain length of service (e.g. 5+ years)

✍ I’m interested in a sabbatical because ____________________________
and I’d use the time to ____________________________.

Check Your Organisation’s Policy

There’s no statutory right to a sabbatical in the UK; it’s up to your employer.

☑ Look for:

• A formal sabbatical or career break policy
• Eligibility criteria (e.g. length of service, performance)
• Whether the leave is paid, unpaid, or partially paid
• What happens to your benefits and job security during the break

You can explore CIPD’s Sabbaticals Guide or Lawhive’s UK Sabbatical Overview for examples of how policies are structured.

✍ According to my organisation’s policy, I’d be eligible for ____________________________
and I’d need to apply by ____________________________.

Make a Thoughtful Request

If there’s no formal policy, you can still ask, just do it with care.

☑ Include in your request:

• Why you want a sabbatical and what you’ll do
• How long you’d be away and when you’d return
• How your responsibilities could be covered
• How the sabbatical benefits both you and the organisation

✍ One way I’ll frame my request is:
“After [X years] with the organisation, I’d like to request a sabbatical to [purpose]. I’ve outlined a plan for coverage and would be happy to discuss how this could support both my development and our team’s continuity.”

Prepare for Practicalities

Sabbaticals require planning, logistically and emotionally.

☑ Consider:

• Financial implications (especially if unpaid)
• Whether you can work elsewhere during your leave
• What happens to your pension, benefits, or continuity of service
• How you’ll transition back into your role

✍ To prepare, I’ll budget for ____________________________
and clarify with HR whether ____________________________.

Use the Time Intentionally

A sabbatical isn’t just a break, it’s a bridge.

☑ You might:

• Travel or volunteer
• Study or write
• Rest and recover
• Explore new directions

✍ During my sabbatical, I hope to ____________________________
and return with ____________________________.

Final Reflection: What Does Stepping Away Make Possible?

A sabbatical isn’t a luxury; it’s a strategy. A way to pause, reflect, and return with renewed clarity. What would it mean to treat this time not as absence, but as investment?

✍ If I could describe my ideal sabbatical in three words, they’d be ____________________________, ____________________________, and ____________________________.

For a full framework, please see the PDF link

Pop over to Gwenin for a selection of frameworks, or pop over to Spiralmore’s collections. You’re also welcome to explore our more relaxed corner: the informal blog.