How to get your Sabbatical Leave Request Granted
You will undoubtedly have lots of reasons why your employer should agree to your going off, but think about what they will gain by letting you go. It's perhaps not wise to tell them that you're so bored in your current position that if you don't try something new you're going to be leaving anyway there's little incentive for them to keep your position open for you if that's going to be the case.
You will need to show why doing what you want to do during your sabbatical will make you not only a better person, but a better employee someone who will return to their role better equipped with additional talents and skills they've picked up while away, which will enable them to carry out their job more creatively, efficiently and productively.
So before you go in to your boss and formally ask, decide what it is you want to do with your time off and how long you want to take.
Some people try a different vocation, or some form of voluntary work - whether it's in their own country or abroad, while others do something completely unrelated to work, such as travelling. The length of time off can vary from, say, three months up to 5 years although 6 months, or a year is probably more the norm.
Most sabbaticals are unpaid although they can be paid or part-paid this all depends on what you and your employer agree. If you know that your employer has previously unofficially' granted sabbatical leave, try and find out as much information as you can. Similarly, if you know your employer has an official regulation regarding the granting of sabbatical leave then obviously read that first. However, a lot of organisations have no such protocols so it is up to the individual and the organisation to agree the terms and conditions.
If your employer has no formal process for granting sabbaticals then your negotiating is important. The length of service you have with your company can also prove useful in securing your sabbatical. If you've been with the company for some time, then appeal to their good nature and remind them of the number of years you've served the company in some respects, what you're asking for is not a great deal different to what's granted to employees that take extended unpaid maternity leave.
Also think how your employer is going to manage your workload while you're away. Here there is the scope for career advancement for other employees in your organisation, and in requesting your sabbatical it's good to highlight this: your employer will get good PR from this situation every employer wants to be seen as someone that wishes to give opportunity to employees to move up the ladder.
And don't forget to speak to your union rep if you have one they could have experience of having helped negotiate something similar for employees in the past.
You will probably need to do a little extra work when it comes to sorting out your financial affairs, especially if those in your company dealing with the payroll and tax issues have never had to do anything similar for others in the past. Research what your tax situation is, especially if you are going to be living abroad during your sabbatical, and/or you are going to be letting property while you're away (and if you are, make sure you let your mortgage company know). Go to the Inland Revenue's website www.hmrc.gov.uk where you can find out what you need to know. Give as much notice and information as you can to the Inland Revenue to ensure that your financial affairs are up-to-date and in order - also check out the situation regarding voluntary National Insurance contributions as you may wish to pay these while you're not earning so that your future state pension isn't affected. Another website which gives details of all UK public services including tax obligations is www.direct.gov.uk.
And then once your employer has given you the OK, and you've had the leaving' party at the office, all that's left is for you to go out and have the best time you possibly can. After all, you've earned it!
