They’re obviously still a minority but they are more than they used to be. A recent survey by the Handelsblatt daily found that more and more German employees, notably executives, dare to take a break for two months, six months or even a year. They’re the new generation that sees their career differently. Traditional signs of professional success (company car, big bonus, large office) are not as important to them – they are more attached to work-life balance measures, including sabbaticals. (Ref. 130374)
A fresh look on the company. Gudrun Leonhard Marquard is the manager of a development group at SAP (world leader in corporate software). She’s been working in the company for 22 years and has already taken three sabbaticals. “I love traveling. And four to six weeks off a year aren’t enough for me” she explained. She also believes the employer does take advantage of these absences: “After a while, there are things in the company you don’t see anymore. After a six-month leave, you come...
Do you have information to share with us?