Sabbaticals Are a Useful Perk, But They Won’t Cure Burnout

By Sarah Carmichael Green for Bloomberg: Offering extended leave can help companies retain good employees. In yet another reminder that the competition for talent never stops, the Wall Street Journal reports that investment banks, tech companies and other elite firms are quietly offering sabbaticals as a way to retain employees burned out by the pandemic. This follows reports last year that companies including Nike and LinkedIn gave their workers an extra week off to cope with the strain of Covid-19.

Jennifer talks about the use of sabbaticals as a perk to retain employees who are experiencing burnout. ​ She argues that while sabbaticals may be alluring, they are not the best solution for addressing burnout. ​ She suggests that addressing chronic burnout requires a more sustainable strategy, such as reducing workloads, setting boundaries, and creating a balanced work environment. ​

Jennifer emphasizes the need for managers to lighten workloads and encourage sustainable hours, connections with colleagues, and meaningful projects. ​ Moss also suggests allowing employees to regularly take three- or four-day weekends as a way to reduce stress. ​

Overall, Jennifer highlights the importance of addressing the underlying causes of burnout and creating a healthier work environment rather than relying solely on sabbaticals as a solution. ​