Burnout? It’s time for a sabbatical

Taking a sabbatical is one of the best ways to ensure individuals don’t get too busy making a living and forget to make a life and firms in increasing numbers are turning to it to recharge, regroup and refocus.

Fortune’s 2016 list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For shows 19 top corporations offering paid sabbaticals as part of their employee benefits package.

Henry van Deventer, head of wealth development at Old Mutual Wealth, says that while there is no data confirming how many local companies are doing the same, many South African executives are considering time away from work to recover from job burnout, de- velop new skills or reconnect with loved ones.

Having all the money in the world, but no time to enjoy it is pretty pointless, says Van Deventer.

Finances may be a disincentive, but he’s adamant it is possible “with the help of a supportive family, understanding employer and the insight of a financial planner”.

Once the reason for the sabbatical has been defined, ensure enough time is set aside to achieve it. “The critical thing is to identify a time, block it out in the calendar and then focus on financial, personal and professional planning to make it happen,” Van Deventer says.

In terms of financial planning, all living expenses associated with a sabbatical need to be considered. “Basic home expenses, such as bond repayments, rates and taxes, levies etc. will need to be factored into the costs, as well as the cost of living during the sabbatical period. Ideally, those planning to take a sabbatical should ensure they have saved enough to replace their monthly salary each month during their sabbatical. Under no circumstances should a sabbatical be taken at the expense of long-term or retirement savings.”

Fortune’s 2016 list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For shows 19 top corporations offer paid sabbaticals as part of employee benefits.