The idea of offering employees sabbatical time has become quite fashionable recently, with some major companies believing it has great benefits. However, there is also substantial opposition to the concept, and we will discuss the two views now. Those employers who support unpaid sabbaticals often highlight the motivating effect which such leave can have on an employee. They feel that, at a time when people are under pressure, a certain amount of extended leave can allow someone to return to work feeling refreshed and more committed to the company. A second point in favour is that such leave does not cost the company anything, as the employee stops drawing a salary. Indeed, it seems that such breaks might actually save money, as departments can be downsized without the need for redundancies or compensation. On the other hand, many other employers feel that this practice has a disruptive effect which outweighs its possible benefit to the individual. For example, if employee...