Burnout, unfulfilling jobs, and stagnant careers lead to to record-breaking numbers of employees quitting their work. In such situations, how can these individuals create more meaningful and fulfilling careers?
According to the Sabbatical project, a research group on Sabbaticals at Harvard University, around 80% of employees who take sabbatical leave return to their jobs, often with a renewed sense of purpose and increased energy levels.
If you are unfamiliar with sabbaticals, you might have many questions about them. This is why, in this guide, we will discuss the meaning of Sabbatical leave in Malay and how to apply for sabbatical leave in Malaysia.
Let’s begin.
1. What Is Sabbatical Leave?
Although a vacation can charge your batteries for work, sometimes a prolonged break is required. This is where a sabbatical can be beneficial. But here comes the actual question: what is a sabbatical leave?
It is an extended break ranging somewhere between a month to 2 years. During this duration, the employee does not return to work yet remains employed while receiving either a partial or full salary.
These leaves provide you with a healthy amount of time to recharge, pursue new interests, upskill, or reprioritise your career.
After learning the meaning of sabbatical leave, let us understand how it actually works.
2. How does a sabbatical leave work?
According to research conducted by Gallup on 7500 full-time employees, about 44% revealed that they experience burnout sometimes, while 23% reported experiencing it quite often. Hence, if you are planning on taking a sabbatical, you will need to know more than just the meaning of leave in Malay.
Although not all companies offer such leaves as it is not a statutory requirement under the Employment Act 1955, the exact details may vary depending on the company policy. However, here is a generic guideline to approach your manager.
2.1 Requesting a sabbatical
The first step before applying for sabbatical leave is to familiarise yourself with the company’s specific policies. Draft a formal request letter by following the guidelines outlined in your reasons for seeking a sabbatical. Present the request to HR or your supervisor with the necessary supporting documentation.
2.2 Approval
Your request will be reviewed by the supervisor and other important stakeholders in your company. Although numerous factors may influence the decision, you will be notified about what to do next.
2.3 Planning
Thirdly, assess your financial situation and ensure that you are able to cover all your expenses. Consider creating a budget for healthcare and insurance to maintain a sustainable lifestyle. However, during the period, be sure to establish a communication plan with your team to stay updated on work matters and maintain a professional relationship.
2.4 Taking the sabbatical
Before starting on your sabbatical leave, ensure a smooth transition by delegating your responsibility to colleagues or contractors. Besides staying connected to your workplace, be sure to use your leave to recharge or explore new experiences.
2.5 Returning to work
Last but not least, discuss a reintegration plan with your supervisor to ease your transition back to the roles and responsibilities.
3. Does employment law in Malaysia cover sabbatical leave?
As explained above, the Employment Act 1955 does not explicitly mention sabbatical leave. This means that the workers are only automatically entitled to such benefits if they are specifically included in the employment contract.
If you are considering taking a sabbatical, be sure to go through the company policy.
When it comes to payment, the leave may be paid or unpaid. While some companies in Malaysia will pay you the full salary package, some might provide a percentage or grant unpaid leave.
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4. How to make the most of your sabbatical leave
Before taking the leave, ponder how much change you want in your life, career, or yourself. A well-planned sabbatical can be immensely rewarding, but even a spontaneous journey can be beneficial due to profound discoveries.
4.1 Recharging and renewing energy
Firstly, take time to rest, rejuvenate and reduce stress. You can plan to spend time outdoors or practice mindfulness to improve your mental well-being.
4.2 Improving mental and physical health
Focusing on oneself and prioritising healthy eating and sufficient sleep is a must while taking the sabbatical leave. Moreover, seek professional help or explore holistic practices to make the most out of your leave.
4.3 Gaining new skills and knowledge
One can consider taking classes or workshops to upskill. Volunteering and travelling are also lucrative options to immerse yourself and gain new perspectives.
4.4 Building a better work-life balance
While taking the leave, reflect on your priorities and determine what matters to you the most. Align your life accordingly and set boundaries to manage your time effectively. Creating a sustainable lifestyle and developing habits that support your overall well-being are also encouraged.
4.5 Developing new perspectives and ideas
Stepping outside your comfort zone or connecting with like-minded individuals are great options for achieving more self-clarity. Taking up a hybrid approach or journaling your feelings might also help you to reflect. Sabbaticals can serendipitously unfold newer avenues, starting from taking a break to discovering a radical new self.
4.6 Networking opportunities
You can attend conferences or events to connect with professionals in your field during your sabbatical leave. Apart from this, building relationships and giving back to the community is not only rewarding but might expand your professional network. Leveraging social media is also a good choice if you want to interact online.
4.7 Increased job satisfaction and productivity
Apply the skills and insights gained during your sabbatical and return to your work refreshed. Use these proficiencies to explore opportunities for growth within your company. Finally, continuing to prioritise self-care is important to avoid burnout.
5. Downsides of a sabbatical
Although, through a combination of chosen work and rest, employees might feel more sure-footed, these leaves come with a toll. While the sabbaticals offer numerous benefits, there are also potential drawbacks to consider:
5.1 Potential cost and administrative issues
Sabbatical leave in Malaysia can be expensive, especially if you plan to travel or pursue activities that require significant financial resources. Apart from this, coordinating your leave and ensuring that your benefits remain in place can be administratively complex.
5.2 Reintegration difficulties after the sabbatical
Transitioning back to work after a long absence can be challenging as you will be expected to adjust to new routines and team dynamics. Meanwhile, if you have not been actively working in your field during the sabbatical, you may need to catch up on industrial developments and refresh your skills.
5.3 Potential financial difficulties
Apart from affecting the company, the sabbatical leave can also reduce the income of the employee if their company allows unpaid leave. This can financially stream the workers if they are not adequately prepared. Alternatively, in some cases, a long sabbatical may raise concerns about your commitment to the job, hampering your future career prospects.
6. Can an employer refuse a sabbatical leave?
If you are applying for a sabbatical leave, the most important question worth asking is whether your employer can refuse it or has to grant it. Well, the reality is as there are no laws providing the right to take sabbaticals, employers can typically turn down a leave request. While some Malaysian companies may offer them as a benefit, most do not. However, the decision of approval solely lies in the hands of the employer. These leaves can be refused for numerous reasons, including:
- If the company had specific policies regarding sabbaticals, the employer would abide by them. If you are not compatible with the eligibility criteria, duration limits, or other restrictions, your leave might not be approved.
- By looking at the present business needs, the recruiter will think about your request. They might only accept depending on the current workload, staffing levels or overall business objectives.
- An employee’s performance or tenure can also impact the decision-making process. During the evaluation, the employer will look into the history and contributions of the worker to the organisation to make an informed decision.
If your employer denies your sabbatical, it is important to understand the reasons behind the decision. Eventually, you can explore alternative options like unpaid or leaves of shorter duration.
7. How long is the sabbatical leave?
If you are looking for a sabbatical leave in Malaysia, you must be aware of the tenure of a sabbatical. The length of the leaves will vary according to the organisation you work for and will be mentioned in your contract.
However, as a rule of thumb, it will be longer than a standard employee vacation, lasting around 4 to 6 weeks. It will provide you with opportunities to disconnect from your professional duties and take some much-needed rest. Apart from this, factors like reasons for taking the leave and the current position of the company will also be taken into consideration. Therefore, it is important to consult your employer and review the company policies to determine the appropriate duration of your sabbatical.
8. Examples of companies that offer sabbatical leave (Malaysia)
While this is not a comprehensive list of all the Malaysian companies offering sabbaticals, here are some notable organisations to look out for.
- Microsoft
- Intel
- Sea Limited
- Maybank
- CIMB bank
- Grab
That being said, it is important to note that the availability of sabbaticals will depend on your company or individual circumstances. Therefore, it is best to consult with your employer or supervisor to learn about your organisation’s policies.
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9. How to Apply for a Sabbatical Leave in Malaysia?
As discussed, while Malaysian employment law doesn’t explicitly mandate sabbatical leave, many companies, especially larger corporations and multinational firms, offer it as an employee benefit.
Here’s a general guide on how to apply:
9.1 Review Company Policy
Going through the company’s policies is the initial step in applying for sabbatical leave. Start by reviewing your employee handbook to find any associated policies on the leave, including eligibility criteria, maximum days allowed, and any conditions or requirements that may apply.
If there are areas that need clarification or if the handbook does not contain specific details, one should directly contact their HR department. They may help you find the right information about where the company stands on sabbatical leaves and answer your queries by guiding you through the application process.
9.2 Discuss with Your Manager
Have an open and proactive conversation with your manager to secure a sabbatical leave in Malaysia. Begin by expressing your interest in taking a leave and explain the specific reasons behind your desire. Highlight the potential benefits that a sabbatical can bring to both you and the company.
Emphasise how it can lead to increased productivity, reduced burnout, and enhanced creativity upon your return. To further strengthen your proposal, outline a detailed plan that includes the proposed duration of your leave and what else you bring to the table.
9.3 Prepare a Formal Request
Submit a written request or application form detailing the following:
- Reason for the sabbatical (e.g., personal growth, travel, research)
- Proposed duration of the leave
- A detailed plan for handing over your responsibilities
- How you plan to stay connected during your absence (if necessary)
- Your intended return date
9.4 Negotiate the Terms
The process requires preparing you to negotiate the terms of your leave with your manager. You should remain flexible and ready to discuss the period, timing, and specific conditions of your leave.
The best idea is to work part-time during your sabbatical leave in Malaysia, as this may give you a better chance to stay attached to the company and contribute to its ongoing projects. Another important thing is to ensure that your health insurance covers you when on sabbatical, especially when going to various places.
Through the negotiations above, one may strike an agreement that favours everyone for maximising time while not interrupting any possible disruptions of work.
Conclusion
Sabbatical leaves can be a valuable experience for the employees. By providing workers with the opportunity to recharge and grow, companies can foster a more engaged workforce. Hence, if you are willing to reap the benefits of such perks, be sure to research your company’s policies ahead of time to make the most of your time off.
FAQs on Sabbatical Leave in Malaysia
Q1: Can I ask for a sabbatical at work?
A1: Unless it is mentioned in your company contract, your employer is under no obligation to permit you to take such leave. If you have been turned down, take it graciously and keep a window open for the future if your boss can reconsider.
Q2: How do I convince HR to permit a sabbatical leave?
A2: You can ensure that you know the ‘sabbatical meaning’ and understand the responsibilities that come along with it. Showcase the true value of the leaves and wind out that they will not have to pay you for the additional skills you learn. By highlighting your loyalty and the retention power that comes with the sabbatical, you can convince them to grant the leave.
Q3: What is the personal reason for a sabbatical?
A3: There can be various grounds for taking the leave, ranging from pursuing a degree to working on your lifestyle. It can also revolve around spending more time with your family or travelling the world.
Q4: Can I negotiate a sabbatical?
A4: If your contract does not mention such leaves, asking for one will be a two-way street. You must compromise and accommodate the company’s needs to assure them of your professionalism.
Q5: Is sabbatical leave a career break?
A5: Sabbaticals are often taken for shorter periods as opposed to career breaks, which can be longer. Additionally, in the former, the contract normally continues, whereas in the latter, the agreement is discontinued.
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