Some companies, especially in the IT sector, are increasingly using sabbaticals to retain top talent, says Kaustubh Sonalkar, director of the people and change practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers. "The practice, prevalent abroad, is catching up in India," he says. Sabbaticals are usually long leave periods granted to employees for personal exigencies or educational pursuits.

Encouraging employees through sabbaticals helps in stemming attrition rates and the career rut that typically sets in after a few years. “Allowing employees to engage in social projects outside of work helps in organisational brand-building and gives employees a sense of purpose and achievement,” adds Sonalkar.