Career break policy template

£19

A practical career break policy template that supports extended employee leave while balancing organisational needs.

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5 mins to read, 10 mins to prep
2 A4 pages / c.398 words
Reviewed 15 September 2025

Career break policy

1   Overview

1.1   A career break is an extended period of unpaid leave granted to employees who wish to take time away from work for personal reasons, such as travel, study, caring responsibilities, or personal development. This policy outlines the eligibility criteria, application process, and key principles governing career breaks to ensure fairness and consistency across the organisation.

2   Scope

2.1   This policy applies to all eligible employees who meet the criteria outlined below. It ensures that career breaks are granted fairly and consistently, balancing employee needs with business requirements.

3   General Principles

3.1   Eligibility

3.1.1   Career breaks are available to employees with a minimum of [X] years of continuous service.

Employees must have a satisfactory performance record and not be subject to any ongoing

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Purpose

This policy template helps organisations provide a structured approach to career breaks, allowing employees to take extended time away from work for personal, family, or developmental reasons.

career break policy template

It sets out clear eligibility, application, and approval processes, helping both managers and employees manage expectations and responsibilities.

By adopting this policy, employers show commitment to flexibility, retention, and employee wellbeing, while ensuring business continuity and fairness across the workforce.

Direction:
Issued to appropriate internal recipients such as employees, workers, contractors etc.
Timing:
Issued during onboarding / after changes / planned refresher
Geographic suitability:
Great Britain & Northern Ireland (United Kingdom)
Global (check local legislation)