I want to take time away

Sabbatical

Chipotle recognizes the value of long-term service and provides eligible employees the opportunity to take an extended break from work through a Sabbatical Leave. This time away can be used to rest, recharge, and pursue personal interests.

This page provides an overview of Sabbatical Leave. Eligibility and approval are based on tenure, performance, and business needs.

More About Sabbatical Leave

Eligible employees may take a paid sabbatical after reaching a milestone of continuous service with Chipotle.

Sabbatical Leave

  • Provides up to 8 weeks of paid leave
  • Is available after every 10 years of uninterrupted service
  • Must be in eligible role for 3 years consecutively.
  • Must be taken in one continuous period
  • Is subject to manager approval and business needs

To be eligible, employees must meet service and performance requirements, including achieving a satisfactory performance rating prior to the sabbatical period.

For questions about your leave or benefits:

Employee Service Center

Pay and Benefits During Leave

Sabbatical Leave is paid for eligible employees.

Your benefits may continue while you are on leave. To maintain coverage, you are responsible for paying your portion of the premiums for any plans you’re enrolled in.

If any premium payments are missed, your coverage may be canceled. If you return to work with any unpaid premium balance, it will be repaid through payroll deductions over time until the balance is fully repaid.

If you leave Chipotle within 6 months after returning from your sabbatical, you may be required to repay the pay received during your sabbatical.

What to Do...

Before Leave

  1. Notify your manager as early as possible to discuss your interest in taking a sabbatical.
  2. Submit your leave request in Workday. Go to “Time Off” and select “Request Absence.”
  3. Work with your manager to plan coverage and transition of responsibilities during your absence.

During Leave

  1. Take time to rest, recharge, or pursue personal interests.
  2. Stay in contact with your manager if needed regarding your return-to-work plans.

Plan Ahead

Sabbatical Leave requires advance planning and approval. Early coordination with your manager helps ensure a smooth transition before and after your leave.

Returning to Work

We're looking forward to seeing you back!

  1. Notify your manager and the Employee Service Center 2 days prior to returning.
  2. Resume your role or an equivalent position, consistent with business needs.

Repayment May Apply

If you leave Chipotle within 6 months after returning from your sabbatical, you may be required to repay sabbatical pay.

What Happens if I Don’t Return?

If you decide not to return to work during your approved leave, you should notify your manager or HRBP at least two weeks before your scheduled return date. If you do not return or attempt to return to work following the end of your leave, you will be considered to have voluntarily resigned as of your leave end date.

For questions about your leave or benefits:

Employee Service Center

Important Benefits to Consider

A sabbatical can be a great opportunity to focus on your well-being and personal goals. Chipotle offers benefits that may support you during this time:

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Get free, confidential 24/7 support for you and your family, including up to 6 counseling sessions per issue.
  • Calm Health App: Access a no-cost mental well-being app with personalized support for stress, sleep, and more (different from the standard Calm app). Visit the Apple App Store or Google Play to download (company code: Chipotle).
  • LiveHealth Online Virtual Care: Access board-certified doctors and licensed therapists virtually for non-urgent care, mental health support, and everyday health concerns—available at no cost if enrolled in an Anthem medical plan.

Learn more on the Chipotle Benefits Website.

For questions about your leave or benefits:

Employee Service Center

Am I Eligible For Leave Benefits Through My State?

Some states provide leave benefits you may be eligible to receive. If your leave involves a medical leave or FMLA request, our leave administration partner The Hartford may help identify whether state benefits apply and guide you on next steps.

If eligible, you may need to file a claim directly with your state. Chipotle leave benefits and state benefits may run at the same time and are coordinated so total payments do not exceed 100% of your pre-leave earnings.

Questions about Leave Benefits?

Visit the Frequently Asked Questions page for a list of common questions and answers.

For all other questions, call the Benefits Service Center at 877-625-1919 or email benefits@chipotle.com.