A colleague filled a large file with information for his return. In practice, he found the pace of business change made any briefing system of limited value. I found there were different procedures and new technology. Murray has moved to another unit at the same level, and though he missed out career openings while away, he is confident that being out of the mainstream for 18 months has had no ill effects on his long-term prospects. Career breaks have been available in the US since the 1970s, when companies including IBM and Xerox first offered paid leave for staff to recharge their batteries.
Career breaks range from a few weeks to five years.
The main feature is that employment and pension rights are maintained, and a job is guaranteed, usually at the same level, on return. Employers may be reluctant to encourage staff to take a career break, even if they are included in their flexible working policies, because of difficulty in guaranteeing a future job in an uncertain climate. The cost of running a career break scheme, a common concern among employers, is usually minimal, the institute says. Often colleagues can cover, and filling the gap can be looked on as a development opportunity for other staff. UK company Asda's commitment to help employees balance work and family life won the supermarket giant a Parents at Work award.