Career breaks 'a viable option for staff'

Many workers are choosing to take sabbaticals on a paid or unpaid basis as companies look to reduce their expenditure whilst retaining staff.

This is according to Katy Nicholson, researcher for the Keep Britain Working campaign, who discussed the benefits to businesses and employees of having a flexible approach towards work.

"Taking a sabbatical can mean that you return refreshed to your normal workplace," she said.

Ms Nicholson added that firms have encouraged this idea "as part of their strategy to retain skilled people during the downturn".

The expert pointed out that given the return of growth to the economy, businesses are now "reaping their reward" for taking such approaches.

Previously, a report by PricewaterhouseCoopers showed that flexible working arrangements were ranked as the most important perk by staff, with 47 per cent citing this as the biggest plus point.

This was ahead of performance related bonuses, which were in second place with 19 per cent.

Posted by Mark Cunningham
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09/09/2010 17:42

News category: Employment

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