The Freedom Retreat: Sarah's Summer Sabbatical
In 2018, our CEO announced a new benefit: the Freedom Retreat. It allows Clickstop employees who’ve been with the company for more than 5 years to take a partially paid sabbatical for up to 12 weeks. In the crowd that day, was the first person who would take a Freedom Retreat, Sarah Meinders.
Sarah’s memories of that 2018 announcement…
What is the Freedom Retreat?
Investing in our people
Clickstop’s benefits package is a short-term and long-term investment in our people so they can be their best selves at work, home, and in their community.
While Clickstop already provides generous paid time off (PTO) to employees, the Freedom Retreat encourages longer periods of time for employees to pursue their personal interests.
To take advantage of this benefit, employees fill out a form to outline their plans and timeline for their retreat. After approval from their manager and executive leader and the CEO, they prepare an exit and re-entry plan.
How did Sarah prepare to be gone from work for 12 weeks?
What would you do with 12 weeks?
After the preparation comes the fun part, the retreat! People can use their time in any way they want. Jet-setting around the world, working on projects around the house, and everywhere in between.
Sarah admits she didn’t do anything fancy during her 12 weeks, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t filled with memories and important takeaways!
She knew the moment the benefit was announced exactly how she wanted to spend her time – with her 3 kids.
How Sarah spent her time away
For a working mom like Sarah, this was just another way she sees Clickstop supporting her and helping reduce any mom-guilt.
“My son had said ‘Man, this is the best summer ever because we get to spend it with you!” It makes you feel like you made the right decision.”
The impact this had on her
The ripple effect of the retreat
While many think of a benefit like this only from the employee’s perspective, there is a second viewpoint that has an important impact on the entire company.
There is a ripple effect that happens when someone takes inventory of their work and delegates to prepare for this experience. It has a long-term and lasting impact on our people and our business.
It forces the organization to work differently, or even eliminate unnecessary tasks, all while giving others new opportunities and challenges.
A pretty unique part of Sarah’s experience was that the role she left was not the same role she came back to. Upon her return she transitioned into a new role on a new team. One which she’d previously spoken with our CEO about as an opportunity. A large part of the success of that transition was the team members who stepped up when the opportunity presented itself with Sarah’s Freedom Retreat.
The ripple effect of delegating work
While speaking to Sarah about her experience, there were so many memories made that it was hard to pick one favorite or one takeaway. When asked for her final thoughts about her experience, here is what she had to say…
Sarah’s reflection
But wait there’s more
While Sarah will be eligible for another Freedom Retreat in 4 years, there will be a new adventure to consider first.
Beginning in 2023, Clickstop will offer a fully paid 4-week sabbatical for employees who’ve been at Clickstop for 10+ years. We will have 30+ employees eligible in just the first year, so stay tuned for more stories of memories made!