- Twice as many UK workers want a sabbatical than have taken one – with Gen X (44-59) showing the biggest gap between desire and reality.
- Health and wellbeing are the top motivators: among those who would consider a sabbatical, 57% say they'd use the time to recharge and reflect.
- Financial and structural barriers persist, with 45% citing affordability and 22% pointing to a lack of employer support as key obstacles.
Research from Aegon reveals a growing appetite among UK workers for sabbaticals, with 38% expressing interest compared to just 17% who’ve taken one.
The trend is especially pronounced among Gen X where four times as many would like a sabbatical than have actually taken one, despite being the least likely to say they enjoy their job.
This disconnect is explored on the latest Money:Mindshift podcast, where host Dr. Tom Mathar is joined by Sabbatical Coach and BreakSpace Community Co-founder Lyndall Farley.
Together, they take a deep dive into the opportunities sabbaticals present and explore concerns around long-term financial security and psychological readiness for retirement.
Dr. Tom Mathar, Head of Money:Mindshift at Aegon, said:
“In our longer lives, we can reimagine productivity. It doesn’t have to be a constant grind. There could be seasons of intensity and seasons of rest.
“We don’t have to wait for retirement to switch off, reconnect with family, travel, or start a new project; we can design breaks to recharge, explore, and grow along the way.
“This is where Lyndall Farley on the podcast offered a real money mindshift moment, making the case that Gen X could gain the most from sabbaticals, yet many hesitate because of deep-seated views on work and financial security. As Lyndall points out, instead of choosing between a sabbatical or retirement savings, people could plan for both by adjusting timelines, prioritising experiences now, or even working slightly longer later. It’s not about sacrificing one for the other but rethinking how time and money can serve a life well-lived.”
Lyndall Farley said:
“Since COVID-19, we’ve seen a real shift in mindset, especially among Gen X. The desire for sabbaticals is strong, but financial and structural barriers still hold people back. The biggest shift happens when people feel supported. In the BreakSpace Community, we see confidence grow as people hear sabbatical success stories and learn practical ways to plan their own.
“Employers who support sabbaticals benefit too. People return more engaged, creative, and committed.
"When 57% say they’d use the time to recharge, it’s clear a sabbatical isn’t about escape. It’s about sustainability. It’s an opportunity to reflect on what matters most and design the next chapter of work and life to be more fulfilling, balanced, and intentional.”
- Dr. Tom recently took a sabbatical from his role at Aegon and is available for interview about the experience and the benefits it brought.
- The research was conducted online by Opinium on behalf of Aegon UK between 16-20 May 2025, with a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults.
- Listen to the Money:Mindshift podcast series here.
About Aegon
In the UK, Aegon offers pension and investment solutions to over 3.5 million customers, supported by over 3,000 employees. Figures are correct as of 31/12/2024. Learn more at aegon.co.uk/about-us
Aegon UK is part of the wider Aegon Group, an international financial services holding company. Aegon’s ambition is to build leading businesses that offer their customers investment, protection and retirement solutions. Aegon’s portfolio of businesses includes fully-owned businesses in the United States and United Kingdom, and a global asset manager. Aegon also creates value by combining its international expertise with strong local partners via insurance joint ventures in Spain & Portugal, China and Brazil, and via asset management partnerships in France and China. In addition, Aegon owns a Bermuda-based life insurer and generates value via a strategic shareholding in a market-leading Dutch insurance and pensions company.
Aegon’s purpose of helping people live their best lives runs through all its activities. As a leading global investor and employer, Aegon seeks to have a positive impact by addressing critical environmental and societal issues, with a focus on climate change and inclusion & diversity. Aegon is headquartered in The Hague, the Netherlands, and listed on Euronext Amsterdam and the New York Stock Exchange. More information can be found at aegon.com/about
The information in this press release is intended solely for journalists and shouldn’t be relied upon by any other persons to make financial decisions.