Understanding Sabbatical Leave: What Happens If There Are No Openings When They Return?

Dear Experts,

Could you please explain about "SABBATICAL LEAVE" in detail? Are there any financial impacts for the organization? If an employee takes a two-month sabbatical leave and upon return, the organization does not have any openings, can we ask them to leave without any notice period? I kindly request your suggestions on best practices according to the law.

Thank you.

Understanding Sabbatical Leave

"Sabbatical Leave" refers to an extended absence in an individual's career to fulfill a personal goal, such as writing a book or traveling extensively for research. This is also known as a career break or gap year.

The term "sabbatical" originates from the Old Testament practice of letting fields lie fallow every seven years. Consequently, some employers include sabbatical leave in their leave policy to allow employees of a certain category the opportunity to take a break from their job for a predetermined period to develop their careers. This type of leave involves purpose, compensation, and a definite period of prior service under the same employer.

The purpose of sabbatical leave should be closely related to the employee's career. It can be a paid or unpaid leave of absence while maintaining the service intact.

The prior service required in the organization for this leave may vary from 3 to 6 years in general. Similarly, the duration of the sabbatical leave may also vary from 3 months to one or two years, depending on its purpose.

Regarding your final query, I do not think it is fair. However, you can proceed after consulting with the concerned employee.