Sometimes four or five weeks of vacation are not enough, do you recognize that feeling? For example, you dream of a world trip or want to follow an extensive study. You may then long for a real break from your work - a period in which you can completely clear your head. Perhaps a sabbatical is something for you: a longer, usually unpaid leave period. We explain to you how this works.
What exactly is a sabbatical?
A sabbatical is a form of extraordinary unpaid leave, often lasting a few months or longer. This means that in most cases you are not entitled to a salary and do not accrue any vacation days. Your collective labor agreement or employment contract may state otherwise, so check this carefully. If you have less income during your leave period, this may affect your benefits or allowances. On the website of the central government You will find a handy overview here.
Are you legally entitled to a sabbatical?
Sabbaticals are not included in the law or most collective labor agreements. This means that your employer is often not obliged to give you sabbatical request to approve. There are collective labor agreements, individual employment contracts and personnel regulations that contain agreements about the sabbatical.
Sick on sabbatical
During unpaid leave you are in principle not entitled to wages, even if you become ill. Therefore, make clear agreements about this with your employer. For example, by determining that your sabbatical will stop when you become ill and will continue when you are better again.
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Communicate clearly
To apply for a sabbatical, you must submit a request to your employer. So he doesn't have to accept this. Our tip: explain clearly and precisely why you want to take a sabbatical. How do you want to spend your free period? Why do you want to make a certain trip or study? The clearer you make this, the more likely your employer will understand why the sabbatical is important to you.
Also make clear agreements about contact with your colleagues and manager during your sabbatical. Some people like to cut themselves off from work completely, but keep in mind that this can make a smooth return difficult. Our advice: communicate clearly about your accessibility, availability and activities, so that everyone involved knows where they stand.
Sabbatical: from Bible via science to business
Nice to know: the name sabbatical comes from the Sabbath - day of rest - and the sabbatical year from the Bible. Every seventh year, during which land remained undeveloped and debts were forgiven. Until a few years ago, sabbaticals were mainly taken by scientists. This way they could work on their research undisturbed and without daily obligations for a few months. The phenomenon has now been extended to the business community.
Learn more!
Want to learn more about applying for a sabbatical and the possible consequences? Check out the resources below for comprehensive information and helpful tips.
- What are the consequences of unpaid leave? (source: Central Government)
- What types of leave are there? (source: Central Government)
- When can I work more or fewer hours? (source: Central Government)
- Taking a sabbatical, how does it work? | Indeed.com Netherlands (source: Indeed)
Questions?
Also on sabbatical, but would you like to know more about it first? Or would you like to discuss how best to apply for it from your employer? Please contact us. Our Service Center can be reached every working day from 8.30:17.00 AM to XNUMX:XNUMX PM sc@unie.nl and 0345 851 963.
