Managers guide to sabbaticals
A practical manager’s guide to sabbaticals, covering how to assess requests, manage approvals, and support employees before, during, and after leave.
- 2 pages / 308 words.
- Last updated 23/09/2025.
- Designed for United Kingdom use.
- Suitable for use in other territories; check local laws first.
- Instantly download as Word / PDF / plain text, or send by email.
- Includes 12 months’ access, with all updates to this page provided free of charge and notified to you.
Managers guide to sabbaticals
Managing sabbaticals can be a rewarding and enriching experience for both the employee and the company. Here's a guide to managing sabbaticals:
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Develop a Policy: Develop a clear and concise sabbatical policy that outlines the requirements for eligibility, the length of the sabbatical, the benefits, the application process, and the responsibilities of the employee and the company.
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Encourage Planning: Encourage employees to plan their sabbaticals well in advance and to discuss their plans with their managers. This will help ensure that the employee's responsibilities are covered during their absence,
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This Manager’s Guide to Sabbaticals provides clear, step-by-step advice for handling employee requests for extended unpaid leave. It explains how to assess applications fairly, balance business needs, and document decisions clearly.
The guide also covers how to plan cover, manage communication during absence, and support reintegration when employees return.
Using this resource helps managers handle sabbaticals consistently, supporting employee wellbeing while protecting business continuity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use this template in my small business?
Yes. The Managers guide to sabbaticals is designed to be flexible and suitable for organisations of all sizes, including small businesses and charities. It follows UK employment law best practice, so even if you don't have an in-house HR team, you can confidently apply it.
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Is this template compliant with 2025 UK employment law?
Absolutely. All of our templates are drafted with the latest ACAS guidance and UK employment legislation in mind. We review and update them regularly, so you can be confident they remain compliant.
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Can I customise it for my organisation?
Yes, we highlight the areas that you need to update with your own details, and where you need to make decisions to suit your situation. This saves you time and ensures that you meet best practice.
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Do I get instant access?
Yes. Once purchased, you'll be able to download it instantly. Templates are provided in editable Word or Excel format so you can customise them easily, and in PDF format for easy sharing.
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What if I need more help, not just this template?
If you're looking for broader support, we also offer toolkits and library bundles that include this template, along with other HR templates and policies for fully managing your situation. These may be more cost-effective if you need deeper advice.
