Study leave is time off work to undertake education that is not necessarily related to the job. Sometimes the purpose is to gain a professional qualification, but it could also be to pursue a topic of special interest. If you've always longed to join an archaeological dig or pursue your passion for fine art, taking a career break of this kind could be a way of making your dream come true.
But why would your employer allow you to escape from your desk for an extended period? The most common reason is so that they can retain your valuable experience in the longer term. The employer agrees to make your job - or a similar one - available to you at the end of the study leave and you agree to return to work on a specific date. The downside is that pay and benefits usually stop, and you may temporarily cease to be an employee of the company.
Planning your leave
First, decide why you want study leave and exactly what you want to achieve. Your employer will be more willing to agree to your request if he or she can see the benefits for you in terms of personal development. Then investigate the opportunities for study. Cast your net wide because there are many formal and informal methods available - from educational courses to distance learning or action learning. Are you going to work towards a qualification or are you content to study for its own sake? If money is a problem, be aware that there are many free courses on the web – try the BBC learning site, for example.
Once you've made these decisions, you'll be able to decide on how long you need to take off – career breaks of this nature may last between one and five years.
Things to consider
A well-thought through, well-organised study break can bring lasting benefits for both you and your employer. But to get the best out of it, it's vital for both sides to consider the advantages and pitfalls carefully before going ahead.
From your point of view
Upgrading your qualifications and pursuing your academic interests is a great way to get out of a rut and refresh your ideas and attitudes. It may ultimately lead to greater job satisfaction and better promotion prospects. On the other hand, your study leave will normally be unpaid and your employment rights may be adversely affected by taking such a break. What's more, you may find it hard to get back into work afterwards, especially if no one has been covering for you in your absence.
From your employer's point of view
Allowing paid or unpaid study leave is a good way of demonstrating long-term commitment to employees. People who return from extended leave are more likely to want to stay with an organisation, rather than move on to another one. Study breaks are easy and cheap to organise and help to prevent mid-career burnout. On the other hand, losing a skilled and experienced member of staff for a long period may have negative consequences; for example, reduced customer satisfaction or a drop in productivity.
How to negotiate study leave
Some enlightened employers have developed formal study-leave schemes. These are particularly common in the NHS and in large financial institutions. If there is no scheme in your workplace, this does not mean that your employer will be unsympathetic to your request. Many people have made an approach and been successful in their negotiations.
If your employer has a policy:
Check the eligibility criteria to see if the scheme applies to you
Look at the terms of the break, such as pension benefits, arrangements for keeping in touch and returning to work. Do these meet your requirements?
If your employer has no policy:
Find out what other similar organisations are offering
Collect information to sell the idea to your managers
Ask your professional organisation to help you in your negotiations
Put your case in writing and emphasise the benefits of study leave to the organisation. If you are successful, it's essential to ask for a formal agreement with your employer. You then both know where you stand.
Getting back into work
You'll find it useful to maintain contact with your employer and your colleagues throughout your study leave. This will help to sustain your interest in going back to work and will make your eventual return much easier. There are many ways of keeping in touch - reading the staff newsletter sent to you, scanning reports of conferences and training events and browsing news updates on the company website. It's also a good idea to accept social invitations and develop your network of colleagues, both inside and outside the organisation.
When it's time to return, try to organise a re-entry period, which might involve covering for holidays or working part-time for a while. You could also ask for a nominated member of staff to act as a mentor during your crucial early days back in harness. It's also important to arrange a meeting with your manager to discuss how your role may have changed since you were last at work and how you can best use the skills and personal qualities you have acquired while on study leave.
