{"id":12873,"date":"2024-10-04T18:22:19","date_gmt":"2024-10-04T17:22:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/?p=12873"},"modified":"2024-10-11T16:14:38","modified_gmt":"2024-10-11T15:14:38","slug":"sabbaticals-the-answer-to-higher-employee-retention","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/sabbaticals-the-answer-to-higher-employee-retention\/","title":{"rendered":"Are sabbaticals the answer to higher employee retention?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The increasing prevalence of sabbaticals is part of the rising trend of UK workers prioritising their work-life balance. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A sabbatical is an arranged period of leave that employees can take while their employer holds their position. It is typically unpaid and can last anywhere from a few weeks to a year or more.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">According to a recent study by the Chartered Management Institute, over half (53%) of companies now offer sabbaticals as a benefit \u2013 a significant jump from only 38% in 2022.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flourish-embed flourish-chart\" data-src=\"visualisation\/19672742\"><script src=\"https:\/\/public.flourish.studio\/resources\/embed.js\"><\/script><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/public.flourish.studio\/visualisation\/19672742\/thumbnail\" width=\"100%\" alt=\"chart visualization\" \/><\/noscript><\/div>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Two-fifths of these respondents said they offered sabbatical leave to improve employees\u2019 well-being. At the same time, 36% wanted to cultivate a more flexible work culture, and 31% wanted to increase talent retention.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"4\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">But how effective are they in practice? This post will unpack the research and discuss whether sabbaticals improve employees&#8217; engagement and willingness to stay at their company.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:80,&quot;335559739&quot;:40,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 aria-level=\"3\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sabbaticals benefit both employees and employers<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">To understand how sabbaticals affect employees, employers and retention, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/hbr.org\/2023\/02\/research-the-transformative-power-of-sabbaticals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Harvard Business Review<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> (HBR) conducted in-depth research by interviewing 50 professionals from various sectors, such as consulting, design, finance, medicine, education, and technology. This research concluded that every participant in the\u00a0sample experienced significant, positive changes in their personal lives.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">These benefits also caused positive changes when they returned to the workforce.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 aria-level=\"4\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">1. Opportunities for personal and professional growth<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sabbaticals give employees time to train and upskill. People traditionally associate sabbaticals with academics taking research leave or doctors volunteering for Doctors Without Borders. The same principle can apply to the corporate world.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">By gaining qualifications or new experiences, employees get new skills and perspectives, which, in turn, benefit the company. An employee who returns from a sabbatical often brings fresh ideas and a broader outlook, enriching the workplace culture.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n            <div class=\"revolut_shortcode\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/revolutbusiness.ngih.net\/daV2kQ\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-brand.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/revolut_mobile.png\"\n                        alt=\"Revolut Business & Affiliates.\"\n                        class=\"revolut_shortcode-mobile\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-brand.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/revolut_desktop.png\"\n                        alt=\"Revolut Business & Affiliates.\"\n                        class=\"revolut_shortcode-desktop\">\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n            \n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">HBR\u2019s research found that sabbaticals offer a surprising opportunity to invest in leadership. Participants who took sabbaticals reported greater self-confidence in their managerial skills and were eager to step up when they returned to their workplace.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 aria-level=\"4\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">2. Combatting burnout<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:80,&quot;335559739&quot;:40,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sabbaticals allow employees longer to recover from the grind of working than is possible with annual leave limitations.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">HBR\u2019s researchers determined that sabbaticals can be an effective preventative measure for burnout. Extended time off can help employees recharge and return to work with a renewed perspective and motivation, reducing the likelihood of burnout-related resignations.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 aria-level=\"4\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">3. Improved job satisfaction<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:80,&quot;335559739&quot;:40,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Planned periods away from work allow people to feel more in control of their lives and aspirations. Any workplace offering sabbaticals will gain a positive reputation and signal to future and current employees that it values well-being. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This gesture can lead to a more satisfied workforce and reduce the chance of people leaving for better opportunities elsewhere.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1177\/0149206315624962\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Research by Shasa Dobrow<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, an associate professor of management at the London School of Economics, found that sabbaticals impact employees&#8217; feelings about their roles. She found that as people progress in their jobs, their satisfaction tends to decrease. It rose when they switched jobs and started in a new organisation before declining again. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">However, when an employee takes a sabbatical, it mimics this effect by providing a chance for novelty and change without losing the employee to another company.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span data-contrast=\"auto\">4. Cost-effective benefit<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When budgets are tight, sabbaticals can be an inexpensive way to reward employees for their hard work.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">According to research led by HR software provider ADP, sabbaticals are so attractive that 20% of employees would accept one instead of a pay rise<\/span>.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Moreover, workplaces are not obligated to pay employees during their time off, and employees do not accrue <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/holiday-pay-to-company-employees\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">holiday pay<\/a> during their time away.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 aria-level=\"3\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sabbaticals are also a risk for employers<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Before implementing a sabbatical programme, HR leaders should consider these potential challenges.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span data-contrast=\"auto\">1. Resource issues<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Any business, particularly smaller ones, may struggle to accommodate long absences without impacting operations. Employers may have to hire temporary replacements for team members while on leave, which costs significant time and money to find and train.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Alternatively, holding an employee&#8217;s position open for them could lead to an increased workload for the remaining staff, potentially causing stress or resentment.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span data-contrast=\"auto\">2. Employees may not return<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There\u2019s always a risk that employees will use their break to transition out of the company. When employees take time away from work to travel or spend more time with loved ones, they may become disenchanted with their previous lives. They\u2019ll also have plenty of time to look for a more fulfilling or flexible job. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n            <div class=\"hubspot_shortcode\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/hubspot.sjv.io\/OrKdGZ\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-brand.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/hubspot_mobile.png\"\n                        alt=\"Get Started With HubSpot's Free Tools.\"\n                        class=\"hubspot_shortcode-mobile\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-brand.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/hubspot_desktop.png\"\n                        alt=\"Get Started With HubSpot's Free Tools.\"\n                        class=\"hubspot_shortcode-desktop\">\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        \n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">HBR\u2019s research found that sabbatical-takers were least likely to return when the break was a last resort, i.e. when the employee needed to escape from unsustainable work. Employees happy in their roles but desired a temporary adventure were more likely to return.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 aria-level=\"4\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">3. Inequalities in the workplace<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:80,&quot;335559739&quot;:40,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">HBR\u2019s sample of employees who took sabbaticals often enjoyed their time so much that they also encouraged their friends and colleagues to take one. However, lower-ranked employees with lower salaries may not have the financial security to afford an unpaid sabbatical. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">They confessed they felt part of a privileged circle, as their career and financial success made their sabbatical possible. This may lead to resentment among subordinates who don\u2019t have the same opportunities.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 aria-level=\"3\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Are sabbaticals worth the investment?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When done right, sabbaticals can be a powerful tool for upskilling talent, boosting morale, and fostering a flexible company culture.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Offering sabbaticals might be a compelling, cost-effective addition to an employee benefits package for companies grappling with high turnover rates. Businesses can cultivate a more engaged, loyal workforce by prioritising employees&#8217; long-term well-being and development.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[cta_group]                                                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/new-employment-laws\/\" class=\"related\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><span class=\"related-title\">New employment laws for 2024 you need to know<\/span><\/a>\n                                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/retain-top-people\/\" class=\"related\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><span class=\"related-title\">8 tips to retain the top people in your business<\/span><\/a>\n                                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-set-up-payroll\/\" class=\"related\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><span class=\"related-title\">How to set up a payroll for your small business<\/span><\/a>\n                    [\/cta_group]<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">However, businesses should consider the potential drawbacks. Sabbaticals can overload other employees and engender resentment among those who don\u2019t have the opportunity to take one. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Employers should consider implementing some eligibility criteria which employees need to meet before applying for a sabbatical, such as:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A minimum number of years of employment<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A time limit for the length of the sabbatical<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A limit to the number of employees who can take a sabbatical at any given time<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Being in a job role which can be easily covered during time away (meaning\u00a0specialist roles are not eligible to take one)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">HR managers should also be aware there is no general legal right to a sabbatical, so they can deny a request when necessary. However, this comes with the obvious risk that it may cause an employee to resign. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For practical advice on implementing a robust sabbatical policy, check the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cipd.org\/uk\/knowledge\/guides\/sabbaticals-guide\/#common-issues\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">sabbaticals guide for people professionals<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><\/p>\n            <div class=\"complete_package__shortcode\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/fully-inclusive-package\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-quality.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/custom\/images\/blog\/qcf-blog_sidebar.png?v=2\"\n                        alt=\"Fully Inclusive Package Special Offer\"\n                        class=\"complete_package__mobile\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-quality.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/custom\/images\/blog\/qcf-blog_banner.png?v=3\"\n                        alt=\"Complete Package Special Offer\"\n                        class=\"complete_package__desktop\">\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        \n"},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The increasing prevalence of sabbaticals is part of the rising trend of UK workers prioritising their work-life balance. \u00a0 A sabbatical is an arranged period of leave that employees can take while their employer holds their position. It is typically unpaid and can last anywhere from a few weeks to a year or more.\u00a0\u00a0 According&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":28,"featured_media":12874,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"categories":[114],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12873","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-advice","category-114","description-off"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v23.5 (Yoast SEO v23.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Are Sabbaticals the Answer to Higher Employee Retention?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Are sabbaticals effective in practice? We unpack the research and discuss whether they improve employee engagement and retention.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/sabbaticals-the-answer-to-higher-employee-retention\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Are sabbaticals the answer to higher employee retention?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Are sabbaticals effective in practice? We unpack the research and discuss whether they improve employee engagement and retention.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/sabbaticals-the-answer-to-higher-employee-retention\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Quality Formations Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-10-04T17:22:19+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-10-11T15:14:38+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.qualityformationsblog.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Shutterstock_2126507432.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1500\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"750\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Amelia French\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Amelia French\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Are Sabbaticals the Answer to Higher Employee Retention?","description":"Are sabbaticals effective in practice? 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