Money worries turn young professionals off career breaks
(12 May 2004)Research* published today by international development charity VSO, reveals that over 60% of professionals who would consider taking a career break are put off by personal finance concerns. VSO warns today in a new campaign that this will impact on our ability to develop the skills and personal qualities that we need to make the UK workforce thrive.
The research, carried out by MSS Research for VSO, questioned professionals aged between 21 and 45 about their attitudes towards career breaks and working overseas in a developing country. Career breaks were perceived to improve vital capabilities such communication and problem solving skills and the ability to adapt and work under pressure. However, despite over half of respondents (52%) feeling they and their employer would benefit from these new skills the financial pressure, plus fears about not being able to return to the same job and concerns about falling behind in their career were identified as major barriers.
In light of the results VSO, which sends skilled professionals to some of the world’s poorest countries, is calling on more employers to recognise the benefits of sabbaticals and incorporate the opportunity to work overseas into their professional development programmes. As part of the campaign it will publish the guide Your Ultimate Career Break, which will offer professionals practical tips on how to plan (and enjoy!) a career break. It includes advice on approaching your employer for a sabbatical, marketing your skills upon your return, preparing and managing your finances and making the most of your time away.
Commenting on the research Mike Emmott, Employee Relations Manager, The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) said:
Long hours and work intensity can undermine employees' motivation. Many would welcome a change of scene offering a fresh challenge and new opportunities, provided they had a return ticket. Properly managed, sabbaticals can be a highly effective way of helping to develop employees' confidence and capabilities, and expanding the organisation's human capital.
Glyn Williams, Head of Communications at VSO added:
We recognise that the professionals we urgently need have commitments such as mortgages and pensions and that in the current economic climate they are nervous about giving up their job security. Sadly because of this not only do these professionals miss out on the professional development opportunity that VSO offers but also some of the world’s poorest communities do not have the volunteers they urgently need. What we are saying is that this issue could be addressed if more structured sabbatical schemes were in place.
VSO recruits skilled professionals for its two-year placements. Business Partnerships is a secondment scheme that allows partner companies such as Accenture, Shell, McKinsey and Boston Consulting Group to release employees for short-term business and management placements with VSO. A leave of absence programme for teachers is currently being piloted with Birmingham Local Education Authority.
VSO volunteers receive pre-departure and in-country training, return flights, medical insurance, National Insurance contributions, accommodation, grants before, during and after service and a living allowance equivalent to a local wage when in service.
Editors' notes
- For further information please contact Catherine Raynor in the VSO press office on 020 8780 7285 or email catherine.raynor@vso.org.uk
- *Attitudes Towards Career Breaks, was undertaken for VSO by MSS Research in March 2003
- Contributors to the guide include: Joshua White, author of Taking a Career Break, Vacation Work Publication, Ann Mold, life coach, www.changebychoice.co.uk, Sedgwick Independent Financial Consultants Limited, part of the Barclays Group
