Mid-summer is here and for some long-tenured NBA employees, the living is easy, educational or even adventurous as they take advantage of a prized perk offered by the league: A fully paid sabbatical program designed to re-energize staff.
The policy allows employees to take a four-week paid sabbatical after 10 years of continuous service and an eight-week sabbatical after 20 years. Employees can return to their same position afterward.
The NBA is the sole league among the major league properties, including the NFL, NHL, MLB and MLS, to offer such a program. Employees have no restrictions on how they spend their sabbatical, whether it is for professional development, travel, a dream vacation or whatever sparks their interest.
The NBA began offering the benefit in 2015 and, so far, about 80 employees have taken a sabbatical. Some have used the time to climb mountains or travel the world, while others who travel extensively in their jobs simply have stayed home during their break, according to Eric Hutcherson, executive vice president and chief human resources officer for the NBA.
The benefit initially was met by some hesitation among employees with the thinking that if a company “can live without me for a month, maybe they can live without me,” Hutcherson said. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s support of the policy has since raised their comfort level, he said.
“Now, people very much look forward to when they become eligible; it opens up a planning window,” Hutcherson said.
Six NBA staffers shared details of their sabbaticals. Their emailed responses have been edited for brevity.
getty images / illustration by liz spangler
Linda Demarest
Senior director of benefits
Years of NBA employment: 15
“My goal during my four weeks off was basically to do nothing but relax and de-stress. I was able to rent a big house at the Jersey shore and have my mom, boyfriend and a lot of other friends come stay with me at different times during the month. Every morning was spent walking the boardwalk at the beach or riding bikes throughout the shore communities. My nights were quiet with movies, BBQs, dining out and even a few concerts. The weeks flew by quickly, but I will never forget the time I was able to spend with family and friends.”
getty images / illustration by liz spangler
Carmen Ventura
Project management office and human resource systems group lead, information technology
Years of NBA employment: 17
“I tipped off my four-week sabbatical with a one-week, mind, body and soul retreat in Sedona, Ariz. I spent the balance of my time off at home with my family. The purpose of the retreat was to completely disconnect and focus on myself with a journey of self-discovery. When I returned from Sedona, I felt refreshed and rejuvenated and ready to tackle what was ahead. I learned so much about myself during this time so it was important for me to apply this insight into my daily life in a constructive way.
“The greatest benefit of my sabbatical was that it gave me the opportunity to just focus on ‘me,’ with no guilt. As a working mother, I really take time management seriously and I strive for a good work/life balance. However, as is usually the case in life, we can plan one thing but what actually happens doesn’t always align with our plans. My sabbatical really afforded me a chance to spend quality time with my family and to do things that inspired me.”
getty images / illustration by liz spangler
Vernette Mboya
Executive assistant, information technology
Years of NBA employment: 24
“My tenure with the NBA allowed me eight weeks of sabbatical. My first objective was catching up on my wellness and medical appointments. Then, my family and I went to Ocean Grove, N.J., and spent quality time together at the beach. With my remaining time off, I traveled to Pennsylvania and Maryland for two personal retreats.
“My first destination was a spa resort in the Pocono Mountains. I went alone and wasn’t sure how it would work out. It was the best decision I made and exactly what I needed to get away and take a break. I enjoyed daily activities such as chakra meditation, evening kayaking, yoga and zumba.
“The second experience was at Sandy Cove Retreat in Northeast Maryland, which provided a peaceful and quiet setting and a chance to reconnect with my faith and disconnect from the craziness of life. Watching the sunset over the Chesapeake Bay each day was truly an awesome experience. It provided a break from the normal routine, daily grind and the feeling of being ‘burned out.’ It allowed me the opportunity to have some reflection time, focus on my personal goals, travel and spend time with family.”
Andrew Kapushy
Manager, global media operations
Years of NBA employment: 12
“We rented a cottage on the beach for the month of July in Lavallette, N.J. My family is from there, so I spent time with them, including my 92-year-old grandmother. I also played golf, went to the beach, and took a three-day boat ride to Atlantic City. When I wasn’t doing that, I was reading books. I also like to write, so I wrote a little. Spending time with my wife and two kids is what I enjoyed the most, though.
“My objective was to not waste one minute, but still be able to relax, reflect and recharge my batteries for what lie ahead. Right before I left for sabbatical, I had the opportunity to interview for a position in a different department at the NBA. My new group accepted me and made an offer while I was out on sabbatical. It gave me time to soak it in and prepare myself. I ask you, how many people have the opportunity to leave for a month, come back refreshed and ready to start a new career?”
courtesy of tom marchesi / illustration by liz spangler
Tom Marchesi
Communications director, NBA London office
Years of NBA employment: 18
“I took my four-week sabbatical as personal time to spend with my wife and three young children. I was born in France so we decided to spend our time there visiting family and friends. We visited several places and moved around France a lot enjoying what France does best — good food, wine and amazing scenery and weather!
“Sabbatical was very different from vacation because I was completely disconnected and it was comforting to know that there was no requirement to check emails, etc. Given how much of a habit it is to reach for the smartphone, it took me a few days to completely disconnect, but after that it really was not hard. Most of the places we visited were remote, so there was little or no connectivity, Wi-Fi or anything, which was quite refreshing.”
illustration by liz spangler
Heather Messer
Senior director of events
Years of NBA employment: 28
“Since my entire family lives out of state, I decided to use my sabbatical to visit them. My original plan was to rent an RV and drive from New Jersey to Texas with my dog to accompany me. When my family learned of my plans, many of them insisted on joining me on my journey and flew to New Jersey. I embarked on a five-week sabbatical, driving in the RV with my mom, eight nieces and nephews, and Boomer, my 100-pound German Shepherd! We had a lot of fun and made many stops along the way to Texas, including the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Roman Nose State Park and Oklahoma University (my alma mater) to name a few.
“In the past, I have always taken my time off a day here or there or dedicate the time off to my volunteer coaching. Taking a sabbatical helped me to realize what I need going forward, and that is to take at least one week annually to recharge.”
