Why it Matters
“Millenials and Generation Z are redfining the workplace, prioritizing mental health, well-being, and true work-life balance. Companies must adapt, creating environments where wellness is a core value, not an afterthought…”
Kimberly Sussman, Chief People Officer and Partner
Where Executive Renewal Meets Organizational Results
A leadership sabbatical is a strategic investment in leadership sustainability and organizational performance.
In a time of rising burnout and constant pressure, purposeful time away gives leaders the clarity and renewal needed to return stronger, more focused, and more effective.
High-achieving executives are often the most burned out and least able to step away. Traditional vacations and conferences rarely provide the depth of reflection and restoration leaders need. A thoughtfully designed sabbatical offers something different — intentional time away that supports sustainable performance, sharper decision-making, and renewed leadership capacity.
Burnout is one of the top reasons managers and executives exit roles — costing companies up to 200% of annual salaries to replace them [1]. 36% of the U.S. workforce reports feeling burned out [2]. Research shows leaders who take sabbaticals return with greater self-clarity, confidence, and alignment in how they lead [3]. Deloitte reports companies with strong leadership development are 1.7x more likely to be top financial performers [4], and demand for purposeful executive retreats is accelerating, especially post-pandemic.
For organizations, investing in leader renewal is not just supportive—it is a practical strategy for retention, performance, and long-term success.
For executives themselves, the return is both personal and professional: renewed energy, clearer priorities, and a leadership approach aligned with what matters most.
I didn’t think taking a sabbatical was an option in my career, but I knew I needed one. It provided me with greater self-clarity and allowed me to find my sense of creativity and innovative thinking again.”
-Jacob Petersen, Vice President for Innovation and Strategy
[1] Tatel, C., & Wigert, B. (2024, July 10). 42% of Employee Turnover Is Preventable but Often Ignored. Gallup Workplace. Retrieved March 23, 2025, from https://www.gallup.com/workplace/646538/employee-turnover-preventable-often-ignored.aspx
[2] Kelly, J. (2025, April 16). Why American Workers Are Burnt Out And Exhausted. Forbes. Retrieved April 16, 2025, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2025/04/16/why-american-workers-are---burnt-out-and-exhausted/
[3] Schabram, K., Bloom, M., & DiDonna, D. (2023, February 22). Research: The Transformative Power of Sabbaticals. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved March 23, 2025, from https://hbr.org/2023/02/research-the-transformative-power-of-sabbaticals
[4] (n.d.). Why Employees Leave Managers: The True Cost of Poor Leadership. Pulsely. Retrieved March 23, 2025, from https://pulsely.io/blog/why-employees-leave-managers-the-true-cost-of-poor-leadership