Sabbatical Opportunities

I have been so blessed with a stable group of professional people surrounding me for many years. These ladies and gentlemen (mostly ladies) have given so much of the time and energy that part of their overall compensation package is to receive a one month - time off sabbatical. What is that most say, thinking that word is synonymous with University level professors but here in my office it means full pay, get out of the office with no responsibility to do anything other than work. Rest, relax, recuperate, have fun, travel, whatever, just do it.

Each full time employee receives this benefit at their sixth year anniversary and unless crazy unknown circumstance prevent it, they are to take their sabbatical sometime during that following year. Cool, most people say and it is. Try it sometime and you will come back refreshed, invigorated and ready to tackle the next mountain but it doesn't just happen. Let me share a snapshot of what really happens in an office.

First there is the planning and celebration and then the departure and most importantly the return. The planning and shifting of work is a challenge but welcome by all as they too will have a turn at this disappearing benefit. So accepting a little extra work load is expected and welcomed by all. Hard to balance for sure and usually well done by all. The celebration is one that is easy and yet hard to do as much as everyone congratulates and wishes the person well, of course they will be missed and no one wants to interrupt the peace so checking in or calling is not encouraged. Bye Bye out the door with great cheers and in some cases tears and then the return. We like to schedule a brown bag lunch or a pot luck so that everyone can settle in and hear of all the adventures and experiences.

I'd like to congratulate our Katie Elsberry, a conference planner, an association manager and a technician on our team as Katie is one of those exceptional gals who does it all, always and without fail. We all are missing you and are waiting for you to walk through the door again but in the mean time....if you are ready, don't call, just enjoy whatever it is you are doing.

Flexible Alex

Recently, I learned that one of my valued employees (Alex), who is out on maternity leave, has decided it is difficult to manage the new baby (Renee), home and work so work has somewhat lost out...at least for the time being. We are all saddened by not having her positive presence on a daily basis but have been able to work out a mutual arrangement whereby she can retain her employment and work part time from home. I think this is mutually beneficial and might I also add, I think the clients will appreciate her dedication to each of them.

While Alex begins to learn about and balance the role of motherhood, wife, employee, daughter, sister, aunt and all those positions, she will remain an integral part of our extended team. This is not the first time, nor do I suspect the last that we will have to demonstrate flexibility with our team members, but it is the first time I am sharing in a public forum such as our blog.

Employees are the heart, the core of any company and when you find good ones, those with loyalty, enthusiasm, willingness to learn and those that go the extra mile, you want to be as helpful as you possibly can with them when they are struggling. And usually you will see the entire team band together to be supportive as well.

This is not only good business but it is also good for the heart and soul of the individuals impacted and of the company. We are no longer in an environment where tenure is enough to keep someone employed. So for those that stand up, get noticed, stretch beyond their comfort zone, I will cheer you on forever and be there for you.

So folks stretch yourselves and make sure your employers notice all that you are doing above and beyond because you just never know when you will need to have some flexibility to get you through something expected or unexpected.

We will miss Alex's smile but our hearts remain full knowing she will be returning one day (soon we all hope).