Email: Left job due to childcare during the pandemic, unsure about return to work. (US)
Millions of women left work during the pandemic to provide care for families when schools & support systems closed. As the economy rebounds, companies will invite this talent back with ‘return to work’ programs. Usually, aimed at professionals who’ve taken time off from employment. Amazon recruits mid-career professionals who’ve spent years away from the workforce. Made a stunning announcement that it would expand ‘return to work’ initiatives by hiring 1,000 professionals as diversity talent acquisition.
‘Return to work’ professionals are motivated & educated. Have great work experience, offer mature professionalism & are at a relatively stable stage of life. People who’ve interrupted their careers don’t show less drive or focus. In fact, many crave a return to employment. Often, the biggest obstacle is a weakened sense of self from being professionally disconnected where identity is largely rooted in what we do for work. So, Facebook, IBM, Oracle, Apple & many other companies have active programs to support qualified women return to work.
Returnees get customised onboarding & orientation, learning & development, technical training, counselling, mentoring & exposure to senior leadership. Also, simple project based opportunities to easily transition. ‘Return to work’ programs offer access to a high-quality, diverse talent pool. Signals a company’s forward-thinking intent & employee centricity.
All the best.