survey reveals the positive impact of study breaks on work performance, employee retention, and overall job satisfaction
Let's Talk About Education Leaves
Take a peek at the intriguing findings from Bildungsurlauber.de's survey demonstrating the significant positive effect of educational leaves on the workforce in Germany. The study of over 1,000 workers reveals that educational leaves boost employees' health, loyalty, and satisfaction, making them valuable tools for corporations.
Sadly, statistics showed that only around 3.5% of Germany's 27 million eligible employees make use of their legal right to five to ten days of paid leave per year for further education. A plethora of language courses, professional growth opportunities, or seminars on physical or mental health are left underused.
Many employees shy away from applying for educational leaves, either due to lack of information or fear of their company's negative reaction. The course portal Bildungsurlauber.de has now surveyed 1,066 individuals about their experiences with educational leaves—the results corroborate the added value of educational leaves for both employees and corporations.
Prevention against increasing sick days
In light of the rising number of sick days, educational leaves can serve as a preventive solution. The Bildungsurlauber.de survey (https://www.bildungsurlauber.de/bildungsurlaub/bildungsurlaub-themen/umfrage-so-wirkt-bildungsurlaub-auf-das-arbeitsleben-umfrage/) shows that just five days of educational leaves can bring about a positive change in workers' routines.
- Roughly 55% of participants reported an improved health status after an educational leave focused on mental or physical health.
- 43% even had fewer sick days following such an educational leave.
"Educational leaves can help prevent health problems such as burnout or back pain and have a significant impact on employee and corporate performance," says Lara Körber, co-founder of Bildungsurlauber.de.
"Companies should view health-oriented course offerings as complementary to their own occupational health management (OHM)."
Benefiting Employer Attractiveness and Satisfaction
The Bildungsurlauber.de survey (https://www.bildungsurlauber.de/bildungsurlaub/bildungsurlaub-themen/umfrage-so-wirkt-bildungsurlaub-auf-das-arbeitsleben-umfrage/) also reveals that companies who support educational leaves are viewed more favorably by their employees, making them more attractive and fostering greater loyalty.
- 78% find pro-educational-leave companies more appealing.
- 62% feel more emotionally connected to a pro-educational-leave company.
- 67% stated that the pro-educational-leave stance of a company even affected their willingness to switch jobs, increasing the chances of long-term employment.
"Companies that actively support educational leaves not only improve their competitive edge in attracting talent, but also develop a stronger company culture," says Körber.
A Shift in Perspective
Educational leaves are more than just a legal right; they are an often-underestimated tool for occupational health promotion, employee retention, and employer branding.
"Continuing education is frequently overlooked by many companies," says Lara Körber. "Job-related education makes sense. Job-unrelated education does not. This perception is common when speaking to companies."
It's now more crucial than ever to view educational leaves not as time off, but as a preventive measure that enhances employees' long-term health and satisfaction.
Press Contact:Bildungsurlauber.de is Germany's largest information and course finder platform for educational leaves. Employees can find help with the law, seminars, and support for applications here.
Lara Körber(+49 30 2359 81252)
What's the Deal with Educational Leaves?
In essence, educational leaves, particularly within the well-established adult learning frameworks in Germany, play a major role in promoting employee health, loyalty, and satisfaction. The benefits are twofold: personal development for employees and corporate benefits, including health promotion, retention, and improved employer branding.
Health, Loyalty, and Satisfaction
Improved Health and Well-being: Educational leaves provide employees with opportunities for personal or professional development, reduced job-related stress, increased self-efficacy, and improved mental and physical health.
Lifelong Learning and Adaptability: By supporting ongoing education, companies empower employees to keep pace with evolving job demands, reducing anxiety about job security, and promoting feelings of confidence in their roles.
Valued Employees: Employees who are granted educational leaves feel more valued by their employer, strengthening their emotional bond to the company.
Career Development and Motivation: Opportunities for training and development drive job satisfaction, reduce turnover intentions, and fostered a sense of growth within the organization.
Work-Life Balance: Flexible educational leave policies contribute to a better work-life balance, fostering loyalty and satisfaction among employees.
Potential Benefits for Companies
Health Promotion: Companies investing in educational leaves contribute to a healthier workforce, translating to fewer sick days, lower healthcare costs, and increased productivity.
Mental Health Support: Encouraging lifelong learning helps employees manage stress and prevents burnout, supporting long-term health.
Employee Retention: Employees feeling supported in their development are less likely to leave their employer, reducing recruitment and training costs.
Attraction of Skilled Workers: Companies known for supporting education and professional development are more attractive to top talent, making it easier to recruit skilled professionals.
Positive Reputation: Offering educational leave boosts a company's reputation as a responsible and forward-thinking employer.
Differentiation from Competitors: Well-established educational leave policies set a company apart, making it a more desirable place to work compared to others who do not offer similar benefits.
- Science and education are intertwined, as demonstrated by the positive impact of educational leaves on mental and physical health, making them valuable tools for workforce wellness and health-and-wellness programs.
- Companies can boost their employer attractiveness and foster employee satisfaction by supporting educational leaves, which can lead to a more appealing reputation, increased loyalty, and a reduced intention to leave the company.
- In the domain of education-and-self-development, lifelong learning through educational leaves can help employees adapt to evolving job demands, improve their work-life balance, and promote a sense of growth within the organization.
