If you’re looking to take a much needed break from work, then you’re not alone. According to a recent poll of 2,000 workers, almost a third are actively considering taking extended time off from their job, with the majority of people having their heart set on a break lasting one to three months.
The figures show more than a third think their boss would be open to the idea, while 64 per cent believe being able to take a sabbatical should be a standard workplace benefit. According to the survey, four in 10 would love to take a ‘micro-retirement’ to focus on their mental health. Meanwhile 48 per cent would use the time to travel more, and 41 per cent would use it to spend extra time with their families.
But what is driving this urge for a break? Michael Edwards, managing director at adventure travel specialist Explore Worldwide, explains that since the Covid pandemic, there has been a heightened sense of ‘seizing the day’.
This shift in mindset is prompting more people to take the opportunity to tick off bucket list experiences while they can.
He added: “People are no longer reserving their big travel experiences for early adulthood gap years, or retirement as has always been tradition. In our youth, finances often hold us back from travelling how or where we’d like, while later in life it can simply feel too late.”
Take this quiz to dicover the perfect time for you to embark on a ‘micro-retirement’.
The study revealed that 26 per cent of people have already taken a sabbatical, with this figure rising to 54 per cent among Gen Z employees, compared to just eight per cent of Baby Boomers.
Over half used their sabbatical to travel and explore new places, while 38 per cent used it to prioritise time in nature and 28 per cent studied for new qualifications. For 38 per cent, they confessed they simply needed a breather to prevent burnout.
Of those who travelled, nearly two-thirds explored Europe, while 23 per cent ventured to Australia. Others visited North America (17 per cent), Asia (16 per cent) and South America (13 per cent) – with 37 per cent having experiences you just can’t get on a normal holiday.
After their break, 84 per cent felt positive about returning to work and an overwhelming 96 per cent had a renewed sense of purpose, coming back brimming with fresh ideas.
The survey, conducted by OnePoll.com on behalf of Explore Worldwide, also revealed the biggest barriers to a micro-retirement, with money holding back 49 per cent. A quarter (26 per cent) don’t think their employer would be supportive, and 22 per cent said family or home responsibilities make it impossible.
Michael Edwards added: “Micro-retirement is about resetting and rediscovering. When you step away from the daily grind and immerse yourself in new places, you gain clarity, energy and perspective that no office routine can provide.
“Our survey highlights a growing appetite for having these moments along the way in life and not waiting for our later years.”
