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In this guide we have some examples of sabbatical leave request letter template, what a sabbatical is, how you could go about asking one and additional considerations.
A sabbatical leave application might go something like this:
“I would like to hereby formally request the opportunity to take a (6/12) month sabbatical leave, commencing 6 months from today, on (day/month/year). I have been (your position) at (name) university for (X) years and would like to conclude my research on (full details of your project/work)”
Writing a sabbatical leave request letter can be quite scary because you never know for sure if your employer will accept or reject your request.
In addition, there are many reasons (valid or not) why you would think about asking for a sabbatical leave and some of them include:
Whatever the reason it may be, there has been said that taking a sabbatical can have countless benefits.
However, to fully take advantage of it, it’s important doing your research and understanding why they exist and their purpose.
After doing your research, consider figuring out why you would like to take a sabbatical, is it to gain some international experience to boos your career?,
Is it to develop new skills or simply help you become more creative?
Moreover, when mentioning your employer you would like to take a sabbatical, make sure to do your research on what could be the potential benefits to your employer.
Ask for a meeting with your manager and present the benefits for you, for your team and the company in the long-term.
Also, try talking to other people that have taken a sabbatical and ask them for some tips on how to plan and request for one (having a higher success rate).
Note: this type of leave is different from vacation or annual leave, paternity leave, sick leave, maternity leave agreement, emergency travel, extended leave absence, among other types of leave of absence requests.
Meaning, we recommend checking them and know the difference to see which one fits better to what you are looking for.
First off, it is important you do your research and document yourself about your employer’s company police regarding sabbaticals.
If they approve it then you will legally remain an employee even though you may be under an unpaid leave, unless your employer agrees to give a partial or full remuneration according to your circumstances and what they consider will be best.
In addition, consider that you may need to be eligible to apply for a sabbatical according to your tenure (at least 2-3 years working continuously) or how indispensable you may be for the company.
Get in touch with your HR department and ask them what the policy is about, how to ask for it and if there is a specific format you should know about.
Also, make sure you make yourself valuable (contributing to being indispensable) by building relationships with colleagues, suppliers, and/or clients.
Try to go the extra mile in everything you do or with whomever you have to interact, they will make sure to let your boss know how valuable you are and try to participate in any activities proposed by the company (e.g. volunteering, charity events, etc).
I would like to formally request the opportunity to take a (6-12) month sabbatical leave, commencing x months from —- until —-.
I have been (your job position) at (name of your employer) for —– years and would like to continue puruing my Msc degree in —– which I believe will benefit the company by (name some benefits).
I to accomplish this life goal that I have been expecting and finally have the opportunity. I wil be comencing on —– until ——, returning to my job duties on ——-. However, you can reach me at my cellphone/email if there are any questions or concerns.
“Dear [Recipient Name],
My name is [John Smith] and I have been working in the finance department for the last nine years. I have recently found myself stuck in a loop, doing the same things over and over again. My learning process stopped and I haven’t improved for a while now.
Feeling the need for self-development, I would like to request for an extended leave, a sabbatical, in order to continue my studies and earn an MBA degree. I am committed to [company name] and I am happy to work here. I am planning to resume my work at [company name] once I earn my degree, by then, I will be more knowledgeable, motivated, experienced, and more committed.
I do believe that this move is beneficial for both me and the organization. I am planning to enroll in late September. The whole program takes no longer than nine months, so I should be back by May. I have already spoken to the head of the department, and he assured me that coverage is available and that workflow will not be affected much.
I kindly ask you consider my request, and I am hopeful that will approve it. Attached with this letter are the program acceptance letter and other related documents for your reference.
