Defining a sabbatical as three or more weeks of time off, HR platform Gusto found that the portion of workers likely taking sabbaticals rose from 3.3% in January 2019 to 6.7% in January 2024. Looking at the data generationally, Gen Z saw a more drastic jump from 1.7% to 8%. Gusto’s chief economist, Liz Wilke, said, “Gen Zers are taking a lot more advantage of that benefit because they really value work-life balance,” noting that this can lead to more acceptance and implementation of sabbaticals across generations.

Workplace dynamics in the US are in a state of flux, with anti-work sentiment rising as employees grow frustrated with toxic work environments and financial volatility. Among Gen Z, this attitude takes a different form in their desire for workplaces that offer flexibility and support them in reaching their early retirement goals. In the face of increasing in-office work mandates and surging salaries to turn away from remote roles, they’re looking for workplaces that provide more benefits than what the job description entails.

Financial ratings agency Moody’s redesigned its offices to make in-person work more appealing, while platforms like Home From College help entry-level Gen Zers find flexible jobs that feel worth the work. Elsewhere, Chinese workplaces are offering ‘sad leave’ to improve employee wellbeing, and British employees are speaking up against corporate wellness programs that miss the mark.