Employment · HR glossary

Sabbatical Leave

Sabbatical leave is an extended period away from normal duties, often agreed for study, development, personal projects or rest. It may be paid or unpaid according to the arrangement.

Example

An employee agrees a three-month unpaid sabbatical with documented start and return dates and a plan for covering their responsibilities.

What to keep in mind

Clarify employment continuity, benefits, outside work and return arrangements before leave starts. The term sabbatical does not itself guarantee pay, a particular job on return or a statutory entitlement.

Further reading

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