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Hamburg. Sabbaticals have found their way to Germany from the USA, where university professors regularly take time off to conduct research.
Economic expert Jutta Rump is convinced that sabbaticals will also establish themselves as a tool for human resources departments here in Germany. "Today we have to work for 40 to 50 years, combined with technological developments and various uncertainties," says the professor.
Taking a longer break from the office environment offers the opportunity to maintain balance in one's life. In addition, those taking time off learn a lot about themselves, new languages or skills – also useful for their job. "Most people don't just go to an all-inclusive club and do nothing there," says Rump.
Unions are also discussing the topic. "The desire for a sabbatical is definitely present in many, especially young employees," says Björn Krings, press spokesperson for the Ver.di union in Hamburg. However, in the business world, desire and reality often diverge. So far, according to Krings, it often only leads to individual agreements between employees and employers, without any legal entitlement. "For all employees to be able to take such a break, an initiative from the government with corresponding legislative changes is also needed," Krings adds.
Initial considerations in this direction are coming from Berlin: Federal Minister of Labor Andrea Nahles (SPD) is considering legally granting employees the right to sabbaticals. The minister has also addressed the issue of financing, often an obstacle to taking time off: Every citizen should receive a tax-free starting allowance from the state from the age of 18, approximately 20,000 euros. The money could be used during the course of one's working life for various clearly defined purposes, such as further education or taking time off for caregiving.
