We genuinely value personal growth, self-discovery, and the occasional need to step back from work. If you choose a sabbatical, we're eagerly looking forward to welcoming you back, re-energized and brimming with fresh perspectives.
Purpose
A sabbatical is like a pause button in your Axelerant journey. You may choose to take this option for whatever personal reason.
Maybe you want to pursue an educational degree, dive into a personal passion project, or get a medical procedure done that requires months of recovery. Maybe you want to travel and immerse yourself in diverse cultures. Or recharge and rediscover your spark.
It's entirely up to you. Hit the pause for whatever you want to do—or not do.
Eligibility
Full-time team members with three years of continuous service qualify for a sabbatical.
Duration
Sabbaticals range from one to four months.
The time frame can't be extended because of economic infeasibility; even as team members remain on sabbatical, we continue their medical insurance premiums, gratuity, etc.
Team members are expected to join work on the date mentioned and approved in their sabbatical leave request. Sabbaticals are paid for up to one month when team members pursue studies to help them perform better in their Axelerant role. Other reasons are unpaid but enriched by your valuable new experiences.
Advance Notice
A friendly heads-up to your manager three months in advance is all it takes. This is to ensure the continued success of your team. More on this below under Application Process.
We need everyone in the team to be on the same page and have the resources needed to continue the uninterrupted delivery of work in your absence.
For emergencies, feel free to use the existing leave system. You can always consider the Kindness Leave Pool if you've exhausted your leave option. It will allow you to tackle your immediate needs without pausing your salary.
Frequency
A full-time team member is eligible for a sabbatical once for every three years of uninterrupted service.
Post-Sabbatical
Team members are free to part ways with Axelerant after returning from their sabbatical. However, when a team member takes a sabbatical for educational purposes, they must stay with Axelerant for three months after rejoining. Team member-initiated separation requests will not be accepted.
We have kept the three-month bracket to allow team members to restart their work lives in a supportive environment and find their career footing.
If things do not work out, especially after giving it a fair shot for three months, the team member can look for other growth opportunities outside of Axelerant.
Application Process
Manager Intimation And Approval: Chat with your reporting and career managers about your sabbatical plans three months in advance. It ensures your team's success with project deliveries and avoids disruption from your absence.
As the first part of your sabbatical application, you and your reporting manager will work together to complete the following checklist:
Replacement Plan: A backup plan to cover your tasks during the sabbatical.
Smooth Transition: A detailed plan to hand over your responsibilities and ensure a smooth transition for your backup person(s).
Delivery Ops Team Informed (as applicable): The Delivery Ops team is notified of adjustments required in project allocations (relevant for Global Delivery team members).
Paid Sabbatical Alignment (as applicable): Your study or upskilling plan aligns with your role requirements for one-month paid sabbaticals.
Once your manager has checked off these points and confirmed the dates for your sabbatical, they'll approve. Then comes the second part.
People Ops Intimation: After your manager gives the green light and everything's in order, please email people@axelerant.com to inform them about your decision. Remember to attach your manager's approval positively for payroll and official records.
Returning to Work
Please inform People Ops about your return 30 days before your last leave date via people@axelerant.com so your team will be ready to welcome you back!
If you opt for a month-long sabbatical, please send a week's notice before your last leave date.
Compensation
Axelerant's medical insurance will continue to cover you and your dependents.
Your consolidated leave will be prorated to 2.9 days per month from April 1st for the months you will work in that fiscal year.
Pension contributions, such as IRA, PF/VPF, etc., will not be made during this period.
According to the Payment of Gratuity Act of 1972, sabbatical leave does not interrupt service continuity and will not affect the gratuity amount.
Axelerant Property
Please keep it safe! You can hold onto Axelerant property responsibly; remember, a little care goes a long way.
Business Needs
Although highly improbable, business needs may sometimes require early work returns from your sabbatical.
In that case, you can take time off for the same number of days you worked during your sabbatical leave per mutually agreed timelines between you and your reporting and career managers.
When you can take the remainder of your sabbatical leave is a matter of discussion between you, your reporting, and career managers. The People Ops team will need to be kept in the loop.
But rest assured, we will try our best to avoid such an unfavourable situation.
Sabbaticals For Team Members Having Performance Challenges
We have all experienced performance challenges at some point in our careers, maybe due to mental fatigue, personal commitments, creative blocks, lack of enthusiasm, or severe medical conditions like depression or a health issue. There could be many reasons for this.
It's nothing to be ashamed of; it's a natural part of most people's professional journey. Some people prefer to power through; some don't. Or can't. But struggle we all.
If you are struggling with meeting work expectations, it's time for an open conversation about the possible reasons.
Talk to your coach and managers, and if a sabbatical is what you need and you are sure about it, go ahead and apply.
Sabbaticals For Team Members Receiving Performance Feedback That May Result In Separation
A sabbatical might not prevent or delay the separation if you have been receiving repeated performance-related feedback for some time—that may lead to a separation from Axelerant.
The only way forward in such a case is to have an open conversation with your managers and your performance coach.
We can proceed if everyone—including the feedback receiver—agrees that a sabbatical might help address the performance challenges. We will decide it case-by-case, with due diligence and, most assuredly, kindness.
Sabbaticals On Appraisals and Promotions
At Axelerant, we are committed to supporting your aspirations and professional growth.
A sabbatical could be an incredible opportunity to recharge and explore new horizons. And we are undoubtedly glad to be a part of that journey.
Therefore, sabbaticals will not affect your appraisal or promotion cycles.