What if you could take a month — or more — off work and still get paid for it? We’re not talking about vacation days, but instead, paid sabbaticals.
Originally, sabbaticals were most commonly given to professors, but they are now starting to reach other fields and industries, as employers look for new ways to retain talent and combat burnout. According to the Society for Human Resources Management, 6% of companies offered paid sabbaticals in 2024, up from 5% pre-pandemic.
Here’s what a paid sabbatical is, how to ask for one, and ideas on ways you can spend your time.
What is a paid sabbatical, and how does it work?
A sabbatical is an extended leave of absence that employees can take, often after five to 10 years of working at the company. Unlike standard vacation time, which may last for a week or two, sabbaticals are usually longer and designed to give employees a more meaningful break.
More companies are embracing paid sabbaticals by giving employees extended time off to recharge, pursue goals or take on educational opportunities without sacrificing their paychecks.
According to Robert Kaskel, VP of People at catering online platform ezCater, his company offers employees a sabbatical, or what they call an “ezBreak,” after five years of service. The break includes four weeks of fully paid time off.
“We sweeten the deal by also providing them a cash payment of $5,000 for them to use in whatever way they choose. We find that the sabbatical gives folks an opportunity to do whatever they want with their time off,” he says.
These companies show that sabbaticals aren’t just a dream benefit, but a reality at some workplaces. Here are four more companies that offer paid sabbaticals as a part of their benefits package:
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Adobe offers a four to six-week sabbatical leave after five years of employment, then again every five years.
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Paypal offers sabbaticals to full- and part-time employees who have completed five years of continuous eligible service from their hire date.
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Deloitte provides two types of sabbaticals. The first is an unpaid one-month leave that can be used for any reason. Or, employees can choose a three- to six-month sabbatical for career development with 40% of pay.
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General Mills offers four to 12 weeks to employees who have completed seven years with the company.
How to request a sabbatical (even without a company policy)
If your company doesn’t have a formal sabbatical policy, consider proposing one, especially if you’ve been with the company for several years and have a strong performance record.
When writing your proposal, be sure to include the following key sections:
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Your reason for a sabbatical: Include a clear “why” in your proposal, both why you’re requesting a sabbatical and why now. Framing your request with intention and purpose can strengthen your case and help decision-makers see the value in your time away.
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Your timeline: Clearly outline when you’d like to take your sabbatical and for how long. Be sure to select a timeframe that minimizes disruption to your team or business operations.
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The benefits to the company: Emphasize how your time away could benefit your team or organization long-term. For example, returning with fresh perspectives, improved mental health or new skills.
How to make your sabbatical count personally and professionally
Before taking a sabbatical, it’s helpful to be intentional about how you’ll spend your time away, especially if your company does not already outline it. Having a clear vision can help ensure your break feels purposeful and like a meaningful use of time.
While Kaskel from ezCater hasn’t yet reached the five-year mark required to take an ezBreak, he already knows how he will spend it.
“I’m a big baseball fan,” he said. “I would love to travel with my kids, eat a lot of good food and watch baseball games.”
His colleagues have used their sabbaticals in all kinds of ways. One colleague, he recalled, used her sabbatical to travel across Europe with her daughter and husband. Another chose to stay home and spend quality time with family, making a concentrated effort to teach her son how to cook.
Whether you’re planning a big adventure or a quiet staycation, here are four ideas to help you make the most of your time off.
Pursue that creative goal you’ve been putting off
A sabbatical can be a great time to pursue a project that you have always wanted to. Whether it’s writing a book or creating a portfolio of your photography, pursuing something you’re genuinely excited about can be energizing and fulfilling. It can also open new doors personally or professionally.
Travel the world without rushing
Traveling can be another great way to spend your sabbatical. If there’s a destination you’ve always wanted to explore, extended time off gives you the freedom to do it at your own pace.
Make the world a better place
Spending your sabbatical volunteering or giving back can provide a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment. Whether you choose to mentor young professionals, support a local nonprofit or participate in a volunteer project abroad, using your time to contribute to a cause you care about can be both meaningful and energizing.
Some companies even structure their sabbatical around this idea. For example, Patagonia offers a paid internship-style sabbatical that allows employees to work with environmental organizations, combining time off with meaningful impact.
Grow your skills
Sabbaticals are an excellent opportunity to invest in your personal or professional growth. Whether you enroll in a course, attend a workshop or gain a certification, continued learning can help you return to work with fresh ideas and new skills.
Conclusion
“The time off was wonderful, from doing a yoga retreat in Austin to hiking in the Azores with my brother. This exercise has made such a difference. It’s a mindset I hope to keep up long term,” Erin DeCesare, ezCater’s former Chief Technology Officer, wrote on LinkedIn about her sabbatical.
No matter how you spend your sabbatical, whether it’s traveling, pursuing a project or something else entirely, the key is to make it intentional. A well-spent sabbatical can help you return to work feeling recharged and more aligned with what matters most to you, both personally and professionally.
What is USA TODAY Top Workplaces 2025?
If you’re looking for a job with great benefits like paid sabbaticals, we can help. Each year, USA TODAY Top Workplaces, a collaboration between Energage and USA TODAY, ranks organizations across the United States that excel at creating a positive work environment for their employees. Employee feedback determines the winners.
In 2025, over 1,500 companies earned recognition as top workplaces. Check out our overall U.S. rankings. You can also gain insights into more workplace trends and advice by checking out the links below.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is a paid sabbatical? A guide to extended PTO
