At NVPC, we believe that taking time to pause, reflect, and recharge is essential for our well-being and growth. NVPC’s Take-a-Pause (TAP) Leave allows employees to take two weeks of paid leave for every three years of full-time service, offering a well-deserved break to reset.
For Lenard Pattiselanno, Senior Director of the Community Leadership & Partnerships team, his TAP leave was more than just a break—it was a journey of reflection, learning, and family bonding. Having dedicated nearly eight years to NVPC, Lenard took an extended TAP leave after running at full speed for a long while.
Rediscovering Purpose
Lenard had been contemplating taking his TAP leave for a while, but timing was always a challenge. He finally found a period with lower operational risk, ensuring his team could manage the various portfolios.
His main goal was to “find himself” again. The break was not just about rest—it was about understanding his sense of purpose, engaging in life housekeeping (including end-of-life planning), and gaining clarity on his personal and professional journey.
A Time for Family, Learning, and Exploration
Lenard attending his sons’ milestone Boys’ Brigade events
Instead of jetting off on an overseas adventure, Lenard opted for a more grounded approach, focusing on what mattered most to him—family, personal growth, and hobbies. He spent quality time with his family and attended his sons’ milestone Boys’ Brigade events. He also took the opportunity to catch up on books he had long wanted to read, including ‘This is What Inequality Looks Like’ by Teo You Yenn. In addition to reading, he explored personal hobbies such as home DJ-ing and cocktail making, finding joy in creative hands-on activities.
Lenard’s home DJ setup
Physical well-being was also a focus during this time, as he increased the frequency of his exercise routine, helping him recharge both mentally and physically. While he did not travel overseas due to home commitments, he made the most of “day-cations” to Sentosa, allowing him to refresh and unwind.
Feeding both the body and mind on his break
One learning experience during his break was attending a “Persuasive Communication with Leadership Storytelling” workshop, which sharpened his ability to articulate his story and purpose.
A Fresh Perspective on Life and Work
Returning to work after six weeks, Lenard was warmly welcomed by his colleagues, who even made t-shirts to celebrate his return. While he humorously acknowledged that six weeks was not enough to fully “find himself,” the experience provided valuable insights. His time away reaffirmed what energises him in life and work, and reminded him that purpose can be crafted in many ways beyond a job title.
The Community Leadership and Partnerships (CLP) team cheekily designed ‘Community of Lenard Pattiselanno’ t-shirts to welcome him back
Recognising that few organisations offer such initiatives, Lenard expressed deep appreciation for NVPC’s commitment to employee well-being. For those contemplating a break, his advice is simple: do not overthink it. Planning can be daunting, but taking the step to pause is invaluable. His journey is a testament to the power of taking a break—not just to rest, but to rediscover purpose and return with renewed energy. At NVPC, we encourage our employees to embrace the opportunity this TAP leave provides, fostering a culture of well-being and balance.
