Audi is offering sabbaticals to its 45,000-strong German work force.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more


Employees at Audi’s Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm plants can take off between two and 18 months to pursue outside interests.


“We want to offer our employees the chance to work in a way that fits their life situation,” Josef Schelchshorn, an Audi personnel manager, told Automotive News Europe.


Schelchshorn thinks that workers who take a sabbatical will become more strongly committed to the car maker.


Currently 84 of Audi’s workers in Germany are on sabbatical and 20 others have signed a contract to start a long break. The employees’ reasons for taking a break include family commitments, further education and hobbies.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Audi signed a new wage and working conditions agreement last month with its German workers.


The company guaranteed jobs until 2011 after employee representatives agreed to allow more flexible working practices, including a system of shifting work back and forth between the Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm plants.