Fast Company posed an interesting question in a recent headline: “Are Micro-Sabbaticals the Answer to Our Work Crisis?”
As the accounting profession closes its busy tax season, professionals may be thinking a macro-sabbatical is a better idea. While firms rolled out free food, massages and other benefits during the crunch, it’s inevitable that some staff felt overstretched or downright burned out.
The article cites a Gallup study that says one result of burnout includes workers taking unplanned time off, which costs roughly $47.6 billion annually in lost productivity. A shorter time away, perhaps 10 days, can provide a refresh without the extended absence associated with traditional sabbaticals.
According to a survey by the Harvard Business Review, more than 60% of employees who took a sabbatical reported far lower stress levels and greater ability to manage the demands of the job, Fast Company reported.
Over the years, INSIDE Public Accounting has interviewed MPs who offer partners traditional weeks- or months-long sabbaticals as a reward for hard work and a way to truly unplug. Not one mentioned many downsides – except for scheduling challenges and a stuffed email inbox upon return.
Incorporating micro-sabbaticals into company policies could be a practical way for firms to support their employees’ well-being while maintaining productivity. Offering opportunities for regular, shorter breaks may help prevent burnout and foster a healthier work environment.
