The Power of Sabbaticals: How Time Off Can Improve Leadership & Prevent Burnout
A Leadership Crisis: The Rise of Burnout and the Need for Sabbaticals
Burnout is at an all-time high. Many high-performing executives, nonprofit leaders, and ministry professionals find themselves overworked, emotionally drained, and creatively depleted. But what if the key to long-term success and sustainable leadership isn’t pushing harder—but stepping away?
Enter sabbaticals for leaders—an increasingly recognized tool to prevent burnout, restore mental clarity, and improve work-life balance.
As someone who has taken three sabbaticals and coached over seventy leaders through their own, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative they can be. Whether you’re an executive, entrepreneur, or nonprofit leader, a well-planned sabbatical can reset your priorities, restore your energy, and make you a better leader.
And now, the research is backing this up.
Sabbaticals: The Research-Proven Secret to Sustainable Leadership
In February 2025, Harvard professor DJ Didonna released a groundbreaking study on leadership sabbaticals. His findings?
“I’ve found that their impact is nearly always transformative.”
His research, analyzing over 250 leaders’ sabbatical experiences, confirmed what many of us in sabbatical coaching have known for years—taking time away from work enhances leadership effectiveness, improves mental health, and prevents burnout.
According to Didonna, sabbatical alumni describe their time off as a “peak life experience”—on par with major life milestones like marriage or the birth of a child.
What Is a Sabbatical? (And What It’s Not)
There is a widespread misconception—among both leaders and the general public—about what a sabbatical truly entails. Many assume it’s just an extended vacation or a luxury only a few can afford. In reality, a well-planned sabbatical is a strategic investment in leadership effectiveness, work-life balance, and long-term sustainability.
That’s why we host Demystifying Sabbatical, our monthly learning experience designed to bring clarity to what a sabbatical is (and what it isn’t). If you’re curious about how a sabbatical could fit into your leadership journey, join one here.
Here’s the definition we use in sabbatical coaching:
A sabbatical is a month or more away from your primary work, with the purpose of replenishment and the intention to return stronger.
It’s not about job searching, writing a book, or launching a side project. True sabbaticals require full disconnection from work. This is a time to:
Reconnect with family and personal relationships
Engage in hobbies and creative pursuits
Reflect on leadership development and long-term vision
Rest, travel, and reset without work distractions
Simply put, a sabbatical isn’t a vacation—it’s an investment in your future success.
The Transformational Benefits of Sabbaticals
What changes after a sabbatical? While every leader’s experience is unique, two major benefits are nearly universal:
1. Leadership Priorities Become Clearer
Many leaders enter a sabbatical without realizing they have deep, unanswered questions about their work and life. The day-to-day whirlwind often prevents them from reflecting on what truly matters.
On my own sabbatical, I realized I had pushed my passion for writing aside. Without stepping away, I wouldn’t have recognized the importance of carving out weekly writing time—a shift that improved my work-life balance and leadership clarity.
Other leaders have used their executive sabbaticals to redefine their professional purpose, strengthen family bonds, or set healthier boundaries.
2. Creativity and Energy Return
A common phrase I hear from leaders post-sabbatical?
“I feel human again.”
Before taking time off, many leaders don’t realize how drained they’ve become—mentally, emotionally, and creatively. But after detaching from work responsibilities, they return with renewed energy, confidence, and fresh vision.
Teams also benefit. When a leader takes a proactive sabbatical, it normalizes the practice within an organization. Didonna’s research found that the strongest predictor of whether someone will take a sabbatical is knowing someone who has taken one. In other words, sabbaticals spread—creating a healthier culture of work-life balance and leadership sustainability.
Overcoming Common Sabbatical Challenges
Despite the clear benefits, many leaders hesitate to take a sabbatical for fear of disrupting their organization. The most common concerns include:
Responsibilities – Leaders worry about leaving their team, but proper planning ensures a smooth transition. Many organizations actually become stronger when leaders step away and delegate effectively.
Perceptions – Some fear that taking a sabbatical makes them look replaceable. The reality? Leaders who return from sabbaticals are often more effective, focused, and inspired.
Family Limitations – Travel and finances can be obstacles, but with thoughtful planning, a sabbatical can be tailored to your unique season of life.
Types of Sabbaticals (And Which One Might Be Right for You)
Not all sabbaticals look the same. Leaders typically fall into one of three categories:
Achievers – High-performers who struggle to slow down and fear “wasting” their sabbatical.
Explorers – Leaders who seek adventure, new environments, or career exploration.
Reconnectors – Those using sabbaticals to rebuild relationships, mental clarity, or passion for their work.
Similarly, there are four types of leadership sabbaticals:
Reflective – Focused on deep thinking and slowing down.
Connective – Prioritizing family and relationships.
Adventurous – Exploring new places, industries, or creative pursuits.
Hybrid – A mix of the above, balancing rest, travel, and reflection.
Take the Next Step Toward Your Sabbatical
Sabbaticals aren’t just a luxury—they’re a critical tool for leadership effectiveness and long-term sustainability. Whether you're considering a sabbatical for yourself or advocating for a sabbatical policy within your organization, guidance is key.
Schedule a Sabbatical Clarity Session – Get expert sabbatical coaching to prepare.
Sabbatical Policy Consulting – Help your organization implement a sabbatical program for leaders.
Download Our Whitepaper on Sabbatical: Learn why sabbaticals are becoming more commonplace, and how they transform the life and leadership of those who plan and experience them.
Your best leadership starts with your best self. Our goal is to make sabbaticals a normal, expected part of a healthy career and sustainable leadership.
Click below to listen to an audio version of our white paper
Alan Briggs
Founder | Lead Sabbatical Coach
Alan Briggs is dedicated to helping executive leaders create healthy cultures where they can thrive both at home and in their work. As the founder of Sabbatical Coaching Group, Alan brings a wealth of experience in culture coaching, sabbatical coaching, and anti-burnout training. He’s a sought-after speaker and the author of five books, including AntiBurnout, which explores lighter leadership for greater longevity.
When Alan isn’t coaching or writing, you can find him adventuring in the Rockies with his wife and four kids, or recording episodes for the Stay Forth Leadership Podcast. His passion is to help leaders achieve clarity and health in their lives, ensuring they return from sabbatical with renewed energy and vision.
