Recently, we introduced the option for employees to take a sabbatical – planned time away from work to explore personal projects. Dr Claus-Jürgen Koch, who has been part of PharmaKorell in Munich since 2022, took this chance together with his family. Shortly after his return, we asked him how he experienced this special time.
What motivated you to take a sabbatical? What was the key trigger that made you take the step?
The idea of immersing myself in another world for a while, getting to know a different country, its people, and their way of life, has always fascinated me. A standard holiday is usually too short to truly get to know a place or its culture. I also hadn’t had an extended period for myself, beyond normal holidays, since my early school years, without school or work obligations. A longer stay abroad, ideally combined with a professional break, had long been a dream of mine.
The fact that PharmaKorell offers the option of taking time away from work while still receiving a salary and remaining fully insured was one of the decisive reasons for taking the sabbatical.
The timing also worked well with our children’s school schedule, as both were still in primary school. And financial considerations naturally also played a role, since we no longer had any major financial commitments, we were able to take this step with confidence, especially as I could return to my previous role directly afterwards.
Why Australia? Was there a particular reason or dream behind it?
Yes, we have friends who emigrated to Australia three years ago, and we visited them there two years ago. As we loved that one-month trip, choosing Australia for the sabbatical was easy. Australia offers stunning nature, exotic endemic wildlife and a way of life not too different from our own. It is a very safe country, yet full of adventure if one seeks it.
This time, however, the set-up was different. It was no longer a simple holiday but an extended stay, meaning many things had to be organised in advance. We have two primary-school-aged children who needed formal exemption from compulsory schooling. The requirement was to provide alternative schooling, which, fortunately, their school in Germany supported fully. With the bilingual German School Melbourne, we found an excellent solution. Small classes and no language barrier meant an easy transition.
We then had to arrange accommodation in Melbourne, organise care for our home in Germany, book flights, apply for visas, and so on. And of course, both our employers had to approve the plans. PharmaKorell proved to be extremely supportive. I worked full-time for six months beforehand, thereby accumulating the time for six months of sabbatical, meaning I received half of my usual salary for a total of twelve months. For my wife, the process was unfortunately more complicated, and she eventually decided to resign and reorient herself after the sabbatical.
What experiences in Australia had the greatest impact on you and your family?
Spending so much time together as a family and truly being present for one another was wonderful. We grew closer as a unit and learned that we can always rely on each other. We handled every challenge together, something that will undoubtedly benefit us in the future.
We also really enjoyed the relaxed Australian lifestyle. I felt Australians place far less importance on appearances and status symbols such as clothes or cars.
Was there a moment that stayed with you in particular?
Yes, during the final two weeks, we travelled through the Outback in a campervan. The vastness and silence were unforgettable. You step out of the vehicle and hear nothing but the wind. You hardly find that level of quiet anywhere back home. And occasionally, emus and kangaroos wandered across our path.
Which cultural differences did you notice?
Australia is a classic immigration country, and this diversity is clearly visible and lived. However, many arrivals originate from Europe, so cultural differences often felt subtle rather than stark. Australians are open, humorous, and place strong emphasis on fairness and respectful interaction. Small things stood out, for instance, how easily conversations begin with strangers. Small talk is natural there; in Germany, this often feels more reserved.
What did you learn about yourself or your family along the way?
We realised how little one actually needs. At home, we have a full household; on the road, one large bag per person was enough. Nothing was missing, not even for the children. Experience mattered more than possessions.
Did the sabbatical change how you view your work or role at PharmaKorell?
Not fundamentally. However, the distance made me even more aware of how valuable good structure and reliable colleagues are. I was reintegrated smoothly and warmly, something I greatly appreciate.
Which impulses or ideas do you bring back into the company?
The sabbatical helped me regroup and return with more energy and focus. I experienced Australians as pragmatic and solution-oriented, perhaps due to cultural diversity, a mindset I share. Travelling with children required continual adaptability, and this reinforced my belief that change is both challenge and opportunity. I hope to contribute this flexibility going forward.
Would you recommend taking a sabbatical and if so, why?
Absolutely. For anyone able and willing to take such a step, a sabbatical offers a rare chance to step away from everyday life and gain distance, both personally and professionally. It allows you to re-evaluate priorities, reshape perspectives, and experience life differently. Living in another country for an extended period, getting to know people and culture more deeply, is a tremendous enrichment.
How was the return to work?
Very smooth. I had handed over, paused or completed my projects before leaving, making the transition back easy. My colleagues covered outstanding tasks excellently and made re-entry effortless.
Have you kept any habits or attitudes from Australia?
Yes, above all, more calmness. Without work commitments, our daily rhythm was more relaxed, and this reflected positively in the way we interacted. I hope to preserve some of that calm even in busy periods. Our children also felt life as a family became more harmonious, something we definitely hope to maintain.
Thank you, Claus-Jürgen, for the inspiring insight and for sharing your journey.
And how did the organisational side of things work?
Employees can receive 50% of their regular salary during the sabbatical.
As no work is performed during the leave period, the time must be worked in advance.
Example:
6 months full-time work + 6 months leave → 12 months paid at 50% salary
The employment relationship continues fully during the sabbatical.
Therefore:
- Social insurance contributions (health, pension, care, unemployment) continue normally
- No special tax rules apply — salary simply continues at a reduced level
- No administrative actions such as deregistration/re-registration are required
A sabbatical at PharmaKorell is therefore legally and organisationally straightforward while ensuring stable financial planning and protection.
