A growing number of senior managers and executives are choosing to step away from their working lives and embrace purposeful time out.
A Harvard Business Review survey found that more than 30 per cent of senior leaders are planning a sabbatical within the next five years, driven largely by wellbeing and work-life balance priorities. Meanwhile, LinkedIn’s 2025 Workforce Confidence Index reports a 40 per cent increase in searches related to sabbaticals and career breaks over the past three years.
None of which surprises recruiter Taryn Wilkinson. “Taking time out shouldn’t be seen as a career collapse; it can be a reset, a reinvigoration and an opportunity to grow both personally and professionally,” she said.
“We’re seeing a real shift where executives are embracing sabbaticals as intentional, strategic and enriching rather than merely reactive.”
Her firm, Walmsley Wilkinson reports that key drivers behind executive sabbaticals include pursuing personal ambitions such as travel or homebuilding, decompressing after business sales or intensive leadership roles, taking proactive steps to restore energy and engagement and gaining clarity on values and future career direction.
“Sabbaticals can be transformative, but they’re often most effective when they’re intentional,” Wilkinson added. “Having a framework for your return ensures you come back with momentum and confidence.”
Despite their benefits, re-entering the workforce can present challenges. Many executives report uncertainty around positioning themselves after extended time away, even when the break has been positive.
Even so, several other surveys have shown no sign of demand abating, even though they may not always be available. One last year showed that twice as many workers want a sabbatical than have taken one, with four in ten of UK employees seeking them.
That’s despite a seeming rise in availability. While still uncommon in many sectors, particularly among firms who simply cannot afford to lose staff, more companies are now offering them to guard against burnout and retain staff.
Surprisingly, it’s not just senior management involved. Demand is being driven by the Gen Z and under 55 generation, although admittedly more than 30 per cent of senior leaders report planning a sabbatical in the next five years, mainly for strategic career reasons.
Last word to Anthony Painter, the director of policy at the Chartered Management Institute: “In today’s competitive job market, companies are doubling their efforts to boost staff retention. They can hit the sweet spot between employee wellbeing and upskilling that benefits the employer.”
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Interetsing an thought provoking article