What is Sabbatical Leave?
More Hong Kong professionals are hitting the brakes on their careers to rest, reset and recharge. These extended breaks, known as sabbaticals, are about stepping back so you can continue to thrive in the workplace. This guide explains the process of sabbaticals in the Hong Kong workplace. We'll cover why people take them, how they're managed and what to consider when planning for one, whether the sabbatical is for yourself or an employee.
What is a sabbatical?
A sabbatical is an extended, structured break from work. What you choose to do on sabbatical leave is completely up to you: you might take the time to rest, learn, travel or chase a passion. Typically taken after several years of continuous service, sabbatical leave may be paid or unpaid, depending on the employer's policy. Whilst not a guaranteed perk, many forward-thinking companies offer paid sabbatical leave as a way to support work-life balance and keep their employees inspired for the long haul.
Why do people take sabbaticals?
People take sabbaticals for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common motivations include:
- Personal growth: A sabbatical provides employees an opportunity to pursue passions, reconnect and spend time with loved ones or reflect on personal goals.
- Skill enhancement: Some people use their time on sabbatical leave to enhance their knowledge, develop new skills or explore opportunities in a different industry
- Burnout recovery: Sabbaticals provide an opportunity to unwind and rest, particularly important in Hong Kong's high-pressure work environment
- Travel and exploration: For many, sabbatical leave is a chance to travel without the limits of annual leave
Stepping away from the usual work routine can bring new perspectives, boost creativity and improve decision-making. Many people return to work more motivated and productive, which benefits the workplace as a whole.
What are the benefits of sabbaticals?
For employees, taking extended time away from work can:
- Support mental and emotional wellbeing
- Boost creativity and energy
- Increase job satisfaction and personal growth
- Provide opportunities to learn new skills and explore career goals
For employers, offering sabbaticals can:
- Promote a healthy work-life balance to reduce staff turnover in Hong Kong's competitive talent market
- Help prevent burnout and minimise unexpected absences
Foster a motivated and loyal workforce
- Develop a team that thrives on adaptability and resilience
Sabbatical leave rules in Hong Kong.
In Hong Kong, sabbaticals are not mandated by the Employment Ordinance, so it's up to each employer to decide if they offer them. Some companies include sabbaticals in their benefits, but the details vary. Whether you're an employer or an employee, it's important to understand what your workplace offers.
Before planning a sabbatical, check your employment contract or HR policy. You'll want to find out if sabbatical leave within your workplace is paid, unpaid or partly paid. It's important for both parties to have a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities under the Labour Department guidelines.
Is sabbatical leave paid?
Sabbatical pay depends on your employer. In Hong Kong, most are unpaid, but some companies offer partial or full pay as a thank-you for long service.
As an example, some Hong Kong workplaces let employees set aside a portion of their pay over several years (e.g. 5 years) so they can take the sixth year off with a full year's salary. This is called deferred salary leave. This structure helps make taking a longer break more affordable.
How long is sabbatical leave?
Sabbatical pay depends on your employer. In Hong Kong, most are unpaid, but some companies offer partial or full pay as a thank-you for long service.
As an example, some Hong Kong workplaces let employees set aside a portion of their pay over several years (e.g. 5 years) so they can take the sixth year off with a full year's salary. This is called deferred salary leave. This structure helps make taking a longer break more affordable.
However, common durations range from one month to twelve months. Shorter sabbaticals (lasting one to three months) are often taken for rest, travel or personal time. Longer periods are usually for activities like study, skill-building or volunteering.
Can an employee refuse a sabbatical?
An employer can refuse a sabbatical leave request. Employers may decline if it disrupts the business, affects staffing or the role of the employee who is requesting the sabbatical. Employees can also say no to a sabbatical offer if it doesn't work for their pay or career goals.
Types of sabbatical leave.
Sabbaticals can take many forms, each serving a different purpose. Some examples include:
- Career break sabbatical: Allows time to rest, try something new, explore new paths or even volunteer
- Professional development sabbatical: Helps build skills or gain qualifications to advance within a current role
- Personal sabbatical: Allows time to travel, reconnect with family or pursue hobbies outside of work, perhaps exploring the Greater Bay Area or other parts of Asia
- Medical sabbatical: Allows employees to take time off due to health reasons
Frequently asked questions.
Is sabbatical leave the same as unpaid leave?
Not exactly. Sabbatical leave is sometimes unpaid, but it usually follows a set plan and has a clear purpose. Unpaid leave, on the other hand, is often taken for short-term reasons like family emergencies or personal issues. Sabbaticals are usually planned and agreed on in advance, with clear details about when and how the person will return to work.
Is sabbatical leave the same as statutory leave entitlements?
No, they're not the same. In Hong Kong, employees are entitled to statutory annual leave (ranging from 7 to 14 days depending on length of service), rest days and statutory holidays under the Employment Ordinance. Sabbaticals are different. They are optional, not required by law and offered at the employer's discretion as an additional benefit.
Workday provides HR software solutions to help you manage workforce policies, compliance and talent transitions seamlessly whilst ensuring adherence to Hong Kong's employment regulations.