Innovative employers are offering more downtime, flexibility and wellness perks

Last November, Justin Churchill traveled around the US for six weeks, but the Jersey City, New Jersey, software engineer didn’t touch his unlimited vacation time. Instead, he took a sabbatical, no questions asked.

At his work-management platform company Asana, employees qualify for a paid sabbatical after completing four consecutive years of active, full-time employment. The only requirement involves informing your boss three months prior to leaving. It’s also unnecessary to provide a reason. “The sabbatical cleared my plate and gave me a chance to not only recharge, but also to restart at a more sustainable pace,” said Churchill. Habits picked up during the hiatus, such as turning notifications off on his phone and reviving a love of playing piano, have remained, even now that he is back at work.