Sabbaticals Keep Our Attrition at Bay

Summary

37signals says offering a six-week sabbatical every three years has been a simple, effective tool to curb churn in an industry where average tenure is about 18 months. The company reports the policy — in place for roughly 15 years — helps employees reset in ways short vacations cannot, improving retention and reducing costly departures. Founders and executives also benefit, returning with fresh ideas and less urge to sell prematurely, making sabbaticals a pragmatic business investment rather than just an employee perk. The piece contrasts this model with European vacation norms and lower tech pay, arguing U.S. pay levels and regular long breaks can coexist to mutual advantage.