In today’s fast-paced business environment, innovation and continuous professional development are crucial for both employees and organizations. At Cura HR, we recognize that traditional leave policies often fall short of addressing the evolving needs of our workforce. That’s why we’ve introduced our Breakthrough Leave program—a unique approach designed to foster innovation and support professional growth while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
What is Breakthrough Leave?
Breakthrough Leave is a forward-thinking leave program that allows employees to take extended time off for activities that contribute to their professional development and spark creativity. Unlike standard vacation days or personal leave, Breakthrough Leave is specifically designed to support employees in pursuing projects, learning new skills, or engaging in experiences that can ultimately benefit their careers and the organization.
Benefits of Breakthrough Leave
- Encourages Innovation: Breakthrough Leave provides employees with the time and space to explore new ideas and creative projects without the constraints of daily work pressures. This freedom can lead to breakthrough innovations that drive the company forward.
- Supports Professional Development: Whether it’s attending a specialized training course, obtaining a certification, or working on a strategic project, Breakthrough Leave enables employees to invest in their skills and knowledge, which in turn enhances their contributions to the company.
- Boosts Employee Engagement: Providing employees with the opportunity to pursue their passions and growth opportunities can significantly increase job satisfaction and engagement. Employees feel valued and motivated when they know their personal and professional development is supported.
- Enhances Work-Life Balance: By offering extended leave options specifically for growth and innovation, Breakthrough Leave can reduce burnout and increase overall well-being.
How Breakthrough Leave Works
- Application Process: Employees interested in taking Breakthrough Leave submit a proposal outlining their intended project or professional development activity. This proposal is reviewed to ensure alignment with organizational goals and individual development plans.
- Approval and Planning: Once approved, employees partner with their manager to plan, including project milestones and expected outcomes. This planning phase ensures that the employee’s absence is managed smoothly and that their work is covered.
- Execution and Evaluation: During the leave period, employees engage in their chosen activities. Upon return, they share outcomes with their team, providing insights into how their experience contributed to professional growth and innovation.
Breakthrough Leave Success
Our Head of Sales, Sarah, recently piloted our Breakthrough Leave Program, splitting her time between strategic planning and a professional development course at Harvard focusing on Strategic Sales Management. She returned with invaluable insights:
Personal Takeaways
- Structure and Planning:
Having a structured plan and defining milestones and timelines is key for ensuring productivity and success.
- Wellness and Breaks:
Regular wellness activities boost creativity. Taking breaks allows your brain to transition from a focused to diffuse mode, which means you can access different areas of imagination. This can help generate new ideas, insights, and perspectives.
- Connection and Relationships:
As an I-Style (Influence) in the Everything DiSC® model, Sarah realized that socialization, connection, and brainstorming with colleagues are vital to her happiness and success. Interacting with clients and colleagues 90% of the time, Sarah understands that meaningful connections support well-being, and build resilience.
Course Takeaways:
- Hire for Optimism and Creativity:
When hiring for sales roles, top performers are typically more creative than average performers. They determine unique ideas for prospecting, find ways to enhance client relationships, and they close opportunities more effectively.
- The Value of "No":
The more frequently you hear “No,” the closer you are to getting your “Yes.”
It saves time, improves sales efficiency, and every failure (or success) is an opportunity for learning and growth.
- Importance of an Inclusive Sales Culture:
Sales is a vital component of a company’s growth. However, it’s shortsighted to attribute the full responsibility of growth to the sales function. The growth of an organization is a collective effort that encompasses each person, role and department.
At Cura HR, we’re committed to fostering a culture of continuous innovation and professional growth. If you’re ready to learn more about how Breakthrough Leave can enhance your organization’s performance and employee satisfaction, contact us to schedule a consultation and explore how our tailored HR solutions can support your company’s unique needs.
