Careers are no longer a one-way and straight path. Working life has become a dynamic, multi-layered, and flexible structure.
Technological advancements, new working approaches and the global workforce structure are key factors driving this transformation in the concept of careers.
While the focus is always on moving forward the return to work for professionals who have taken a career break often doesn’t receive the importance and recognition it deserves.
Taking a break from work should cease to be perceived negatively
Conscious or necessary choices such as childcare, family responsibilities, education or personal development are among the first reasons that come to mind for career gaps.
In less developed societies, this is still perceived as a negative impression. However, this approach is rapidly changing in progressive and balanced societies.
Returnship programs which facilitate returning to work are becoming one of the most tangible indicators of transformation in the modern world.
Professionals who have taken a career break possess high potential in terms of experience, maturity, problem-solving ability, and sectoral knowledge. These individuals not only bring experience to organizations but also bring different perspectives.
The concept of diversity is no longer limited to age, gender, or ethnicity, but is transforming into an understanding that also encompasses different career paths.
Employees no longer prefer employers who only offer good pay and good positions, but also those who provide flexibility, support, and a value-oriented approach in these days.
Returnship programs help increase employee engagement and satisfaction by conveying the message that the company invests in its people and is fair, supporting organizational success indicators such as low employee turnover and high commitment.
Taking a break from work doesn’t mean losing your skills.
A break from work doesn’t destroy skills; it simply becomes temporarily invisible.
Returning to full-time work after long breaks can create psychological barriers such as loss of self-confidence and uncertainty.
A structured return-to-work program makes the process safer and more sustainable, minimizing financial and professional difficulties.
Mentoring, training, and on-the-job learning provided to the employee at this stage enable them to quickly adapt to current technologies and teamwork.
What are the key elements of a successful return-to-work program?
- Mentoring and coaching support should be provided.
- Gradual training and fair evaluation processes should be implemented.
- Adaptation to new, modern, and current work models should be ensured.
- A feedback culture should be created and strengthened.
- Pathways to full-time job opportunities within the organization should be clearly presented.
Referances and further link…
- Goldman Sachs Returnship
- Empowering women to return to the workforce
- What are ‘returnships’ and how can the job market benefit?
- What is a returnship: Benefits and best practices
- How career returnship programmes boost diversity in your business
- Four ways “returnships” can boost a company’s workforce talent pool
- How to relaunch your career with a returnship
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