Should we quickly apply for educational leave now? - What does the planned abolition of educational leave mean for companies?

Background: What is educational leave?

Educational leave was introduced in Austria to give employees the opportunity to take part in education or training courses without having to give up their job. Anyone who had been employed by a company for at least six months could apply for up to twelve months' leave for further training with the employer's consent. During this time, the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) paid a training allowance equivalent to the notional unemployment benefit - a financial safeguard for many employees during their training (source: bmaw.gv.at).

 

Why is educational leave being abolished in Austria?

But why is this tried-and-tested measure now to be abolished? Critics argue that educational leave has increasingly been misused for other purposes. Particularly in economically uncertain times, some companies used the opportunity to "temporarily park" employees and save costs at the same time. It was also repeatedly discussed that employees on educational leave could theoretically even spend time abroad and continue to be supported by the Austrian state (source: Profil.at).

With the planned abolition of educational leave, the question now arises as to how companies can provide their employees with further training in the future. It’s obvious: The need for further training remains - especially at a time when digitalisation, automation and new technologies are significantly changing the working world.

Further training for employees: What alternatives are there?

As educational leave could soon be abolished, companies are now required to offer alternatives for the further training of their employees. Here are five strategies for employee training without educational leave that companies can already implement today:

 

1. Partial educational leave: flexible further training without complete absence

One possible replacement for educational leave is partial educational leave. In contrast to traditional educational leave, employees continue to work for the company but reduce their working hours in order to continue their education on the side. The difference to the full salary is compensated by the AMS with a part-time education allowance (source: bmaw.gv.at).

Advantages for companies:

• Employees stay in the company and can apply their acquired knowledge directly.
• The AMS continues to offer financial support so that further training costs are cushioned.
• The flexible design ensures that operational processes are not disrupted.

2. Internal training programmes: Customised training

Instead of relying on external offers, companies should increasingly develop their own training programmes. This can take the form of internal training courses, mentoring programmes or workshops. It is an effective solution, especially in sectors with a high need for specialisation.

Advantages for companies:

• Contents are precisely tailored to the needs of the company.
• Lower costs compared to external training courses.
• Greater employee loyalty through targeted promotion.

3. Cooperation with universities and universities of applied sciences

Another alternative to educational leave is increased cooperation with universities and specialised institutes. Companies can develop practical training programmes through partnerships and thus provide their employees with targeted further training.

Best practice:
Some companies already offer in-house MBA or Master's programmes that are run in cooperation with universities. Such a model not only strengthens the qualifications of employees, but also positions the company as an attractive employer.

Advantages for companies:

• Access to the latest research results and methods.
• Increasing the company's innovative strength.
• Employer branding: Attractiveness for skilled labour increases.

4. Online learning platforms: Online training for maximum flexibility

Digitalisation has revolutionised learning. Today, companies can access a variety of e-learning platforms that offer high-quality content for a wide range of specialist areas. Examples include Coursera, LinkedIn Learning and Udemy, as well as specialised platforms for sectors such as IT and finance.

Advantages for companies:

• Employees can learn flexibly without leaving the workplace.
• Low costs compared to traditional training courses.
• Individual learning paths for different career goals.

5. Promotion of certifications: Official qualifications for professionals

Some industries require special certifications in order to stay up to date. Companies can specifically support their employees in acquiring recognised certificates. This can be done through financial support, time off for exams or in-house preparation courses.

Advantages for companies:

• Officially recognised qualifications increase competitiveness.
• Employees stay up to date with the latest knowledge in the long term.
• Employers benefit directly from the newly acquired expertise.

Conclusion: Austrian companies must create alternatives to educational leave

The planned abolition of educational leave increases the pressure on companies to take the further training of their employees into their own hands, but at the same time offers the opportunity to develop customised qualification measures.

While employees will no longer be able to fall back on further training allowances from the AMS in the usual way, companies can continue to ensure the qualification of their employees with targeted measures.

Now is the right time for companies to look at alternative training models. Whether through partial educational leave, internal training programmes, university partnerships or digital learning platforms - the future of training is becoming more flexible and individual.

One thing is certain: Further training and employee development remains a decisive factor for the success of companies. Those who come up with new solutions at an early stage can position themselves as an attractive employer in the long term and secure their competitiveness.