If you are fortunate enough to work for a forward-thinking company, you may have the option of a corporate sponsored sabbatical. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, the percentage of companies offering some type of sabbatical is growing, both for paid and unpaid leave.

Begin with the End in Mind
Before you even set foot out the door, you need to have a re-entry strategy. The most difficult thing about going on a corporate sabbatical is the shock of coming back. That said, if you are allowed eight weeks, be sure you return home no later than day one of week seven. You will need some adjustment time to catch up on bills and correspondence and confront personal landmines before you will able to handle professional challenges.

Build Your Case
Corporations generally do not reward poor performers. Here’s how to build your case and increase your chances of being selected.

It’s never too early to start planning to apply. Ideally, you should allow at least three months of personal and professional preparation before you even approach your boss.

• Keep it professional. Are you currently besieged with personal calls and email while at work? Do you come in looking tired due to lack of sleep? Has your personal appearance/grooming suffered? Are you tardy? For the next three months, make a conscious and concerted effort to address these types of issues.
• Improve your product. This is the time for some critical self-evaluation: Is your performance truly up to par? Make a list of things you feel need improvement, then start improving them!
• Become a true team member. This is perhaps the most critical piece of advice for this preparatory period. You could be the most efficient, professional, and productive employee in the company, but if you are not visible, none of that may matter.
• Know that you will likely only have one shot. Don’t try to take any shortcuts. If you apply for a sabbatical and fail, this could end up causing feelings of resentment and negativity, which will be very difficult to mask.

Apply with Grace
If you’ve followed the above suggestions and are at the end of your three month preparation period, you are now ready to apply.

• Avoid drama. It may be tempting to stagger into your boss’s office looking distraught and pleading for the time off. Don’t! The main message you need to communicate is that this is a reasonable request that has been well thought out and considered.
• Have your paperwork accessible. Your boss may wish to look it over, so it would be a good idea to have relevant sections highlighted or tabbed.
• Show consideration for how your plan will affect your boss and coworkers. Prepare a written outline of your existing duties, and who in your opinion could help with your tasks. Make it clear these are only suggestions: You do not want to be perceived of as arrogant.
• Be flexible with your timing. Let your boss know that you understand that your decision will impact him as well as the company.
• Craft an inspiring mission statement. When it comes to filling out the paperwork, be prepared to name at least one personal goal you hope to attain during your sabbatical. Make sure this goal, although personal in nature, will also provide an obvious benefit to the company.
• Set expectations regarding communication while you are gone. While a true sabbatical should involve no communication between employer and employee, this can vary within each firm. Allow some “panic time” after your last day in the office for your boss and coworkers to contact you with unforeseen questions. In other words, don’t depart for Timbuktu the next day.
• Expect the unexpected. Be prepared to come back to a work environment that has also evolved. You may find yourself facing a new boss, new responsibilities, and a new routine.

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