As an employee-owned business, our people are at the heart of everything we do. Alongside the support and benefits available throughout their time at Trident, we’re proud to recognise long service by offering #TeamTrident a four week sabbatical on their 10-year anniversary, and every five years thereafter.
Since the scheme launched, many of us have embraced the chance to completely switch off and take time out for whatever matters most to them, from big adventures to quiet moments at home.
Take Alex Wallis, Associate Director in our Bristol office. To mark his 10-year milestone, Alex and his family embarked on an epic 3,500 mile Scandinavian road trip. Now that he’s back, we caught up with him to find out what it’s really like to hit the open road.
Making Time Away Possible
Before Alex and his family set off on their adventure, they spent months researching their route, finding things to do and booking campsites.
“Professionally, I think preparation was the key,” Alex explains. “I managed to wind down my workload and hand over some key projects in good time. Luckily, some of the bigger projects had major deadlines several weeks before I left.”
With the planning complete and his projects in the hands of colleagues, Alex and his family were ready to begin their adventure.
A Scandinavian Road Trip
“We drove from Bristol and got the overnight ferry from Harwich to the Hook of Holland,” says Alex. “We drove straight through Holland and Germany to Denmark, and our first real stop was LEGOLAND, which the kids loved.”
From there, Alex crossed into Sweden and spent around 12 days travelling north through the country.
“We travelled through Sweden up to a place called Idre, which is the southern area where reindeer live. We then drove west via Lillehammer into Norway, where we travelled through the mountains and fjords, ending up in Stavanger.”
The family then took an overnight ferry back to Denmark before beginning the final stage of their journey home.
“It took around three days to drive back through Denmark, Germany and Holland, and then across the UK.”
An Unforgettable Family Adventure
With so many memorable moments along the way, Alex found it difficult to choose just one highlight.
“It’s so hard to say, possibly walking with and meeting the reindeer, as they are so gentle. However, I think the real highlight was genuinely spending so much amazing time with my family and not having to worry about anything or anyone else.”
After 28 nights and 3,500 miles in a caravan, Alex was surprised by how little he missed the comforts of home.
“Simply put, it was truly liberating. We had virtually nothing to worry about, everything we needed we carried with us, and we could stop wherever we wanted, whenever we wanted. We had lunches, picnics and walks in some of the most amazing places.”
The experience reminded Alex that happiness does not have to be complicated and reinforced the importance of making time for the people who matter most.
“I had a few books, a stand-up paddleboard, a fishing rod and my family, and I couldn’t have been happier. It really emphasised even more how important quality family time and creating amazing memories are.”
Returning with a Fresh Perspective
After four weeks away, returning to work naturally took some adjustment. However, Alex’s preparation before leaving, together with the support of his colleagues while he was away, helped to make the transition easier.
“I’m not going to lie, it was tricky,” he admits. “Luckily, it was easier than coming back after a week in some ways, as nearly all my emails had been dealt with and most of the projects were with other people.”
Being able to step away properly is an important part of the sabbatical benefit. Through forward planning, trust and support from the wider team, colleagues can disconnect knowing that their projects are in safe hands.
A Magical Opportunity
Reflecting on the experience, Alex believes a sabbatical offers much more than simply an extended holiday.
“It gives you a chance to really reflect on what is important in life, particularly at my stage in family life,” he says. “My kids are nine and 11, so they’re almost grown-ups, but they still want to be with their parents. It was a magical opportunity not just for me, but for my whole family.”
And how would Alex sum up his time away?
“Best family holiday ever!”
Alex’s experience is a great example of what our long-service benefits are all about: recognising the contribution our people make, supporting life beyond work and giving colleagues the opportunity to spend meaningful time doing what matters most to them.