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If you want to consistently perform at your best, you need more than just exciting tasks and professional challenges. Just as crucial are intentional rest, personal growth, and the opportunity to broaden one’s horizons. That’s why at SECUINFRA, we don’t view work-life balance as just a buzzword, but as an integral part of our corporate culture that we actively practice.
A recent example of this is the three-month sabbatical taken by our colleague Tabea. For three months, she traded her daily work routine for some of Asia’s most fascinating landscapes and cultures—with stops in Nepal, Bangkok, and Northern Vietnam, followed by a ski vacation in Europe. For her, this time off became a journey that went far beyond simply discovering new countries: she gained new perspectives, had unforgettable experiences, and returned with renewed energy and motivation.
Take a step back to discover something new
The desire to travel for an extended period and leave everyday life completely behind had been with Tabea for many years. A sabbatical offered the ideal opportunity to consciously immerse herself in different ways of life and not only experience a multitude of new impressions but also process them deeply.
That is precisely one of the greatest advantages of a longer break: While a traditional vacation often goes by quickly and your mind often remains focused on work tasks, a sabbatical creates space for true relaxation. Only with enough time do you have the opportunity to break out of routines, gain some perspective, and consciously let your experiences sink in.
Nepal: Slowing Down Among the World’s Highest Mountains
A particular highlight of the trip was the multi-day trek in the Himalayas. At times, there was no cell service for several days in a row—an experience that has become almost unheard of in an increasingly digital world.
Without being constantly reachable, other things took center stage: deep conversations, mindful moments in nature, and the immediate experience of the surroundings. The majestic peaks of the Himalayas, with their impressive six-, seven-, and eight-thousanders, left a lasting impression and powerfully demonstrated just how small everyday challenges can sometimes seem.
Equally inspiring was our encounter with the people of Nepal. Despite a comparatively low standard of living, many people approached their daily lives with remarkable openness, warmth, and a zest for life. This positive attitude impressively demonstrated that contentment often depends less on material factors than on one’s own perspective.
Bangkok: Between Tradition and Urban Vitality
After the tranquility of the mountains, Bangkok offered the complete opposite. The vibrant metropolis impressed with its energy, the tropical heat, and its unique blend of modernity and centuries-old culture.
Magnificent temple complexes, cultural attractions, and the lively cityscape made the stay just as varied as the sometimes adventurous rides in the famous tuk-tuks, which turned into a very special travel experience.
North Vietnam: Adventure, Nature, and New Experiences
North Vietnam also offered many unforgettable moments. Motorcycle tours took us through spectacular landscapes, hikes through vast rice fields revealed breathtaking views, and rock climbing on Cat Ba presented a whole new athletic challenge.
Not even the changeable weather could detract from the special character of this trip. In fact, it was just as much a part of the experience as the night bus rides, which seemed unusual at first but turned out to be a surprisingly comfortable and exciting way to travel.
Encounters That Broaden Your Horizons
In addition to the scenic and cultural experiences, it was above all the people who made this trip so memorable.
Over the course of those three months, I had numerous encounters with travelers from a wide variety of countries and cultures. Sharing experiences, values, and ways of life opened up new perspectives and highlighted how differently people approach challenges and set priorities.
Such shifts in perspective foster openness, deepen our understanding of other points of view, and broaden our horizons—qualities that are not only personally enriching but also of great value in the professional world.
Why Conscious Rest Is Not a Luxury
Many people associate high performance with constant availability. However, experiences during a sabbatical paint a different picture.
It was precisely this time away from constant availability that made it clear just how important it is to consciously disconnect in order to maintain long-term motivation and sustainable performance. Anyone who regularly gives 100 percent in their day-to-day work also needs periods during which they can recharge.
Deliberately stepping away from the daily work routine helped break up routines, gain some perspective on familiar challenges, and clear my mind for new ideas.
The result: greater motivation, new inspiration, and greater personal resilience.
Personal development also contributes to professional success
A sabbatical is much more than just a long trip. It provides an opportunity for personal growth.
Getting to know new cultures, navigating unfamiliar situations, and embracing completely different ways of life strengthen adaptability, independence, and open-mindedness. Skills like these are also becoming increasingly important in everyday professional life.
With many positive experiences, renewed energy, and a fresh perspective on a wide range of topics, Tabea returned to SECUINFRA feeling motivated after her time off.
Work-life balance is a way of life at SECUINFRA
For us, our colleague’s sabbatical is much more than just a nice travel story. It shows the kind of corporate culture we embody.
The quick and straightforward implementation of this leave of absence underscores our commitment to taking individual life circumstances seriously and actively supporting our employees in balancing their personal and professional development.
We are convinced that sustainable business success does not come from short-term peak performance, but rather from motivated people who remain healthy, productive, and enthusiastic over the long term. That is why we create an environment in which rest is explicitly encouraged and personal growth has a place even outside of work.
Our values—such as sustainability, reliability, and mutual trust—are reflected not only in our day-to-day collaboration but also in decisions like these.
Conclusion
A sabbatical is more than just a break from work. It creates space for new experiences, personal growth, and true relaxation. At the same time, it opens up new perspectives that allow people to return to their daily lives feeling stronger—with renewed motivation, greater openness, and fresh energy.
For us at SECUINFRA, that is exactly what a modern work environment is all about. We believe that people can reach their full potential when professional success and personal well-being are in harmony. That’s why we make a conscious effort to invest in our employees—not only during their work hours, but also when taking time off is the best way to ensure long-term success.
Annapurna Mountains and Machapuchare.
