They are qualified and experienced women, who have been on breaks for many reasons. However, when relaunched and enabled with career paths, they add immense value to an organization with innovation, skills, and hard work.
The 2023 Best Companies for Women in India by Avtar and Seramount, an annual gender analytics exercise, has shown that 83% of the 100 Best companies run second-career programs—an 8% rise from the previous year.
While the rising number indicates that more companies are joining the league of organizations leveraging the benefits of the talent pool, it also turns the spotlight on how companies should be proactive and adaptable.
Here are four ways companies can hire and retain second-career women, ensuring growth and productivity.
Understand their needs: The 2023 study shows how flexibility has become an important means for the Best Companies—both Top 10 and 100-Best—to benefit from the women talent pool, which also includes women on breaks. Similarly, remote work, especially for those juggling demands on the home front with child care, elderly care, etc., can be a great leveler.
Reach out to them: Be it by sharing favorable testimonials on your SM platforms or by initiating referrals for women on breaks, reach out to this group by positioning as a women-friendly organization. Women on breaks are often keen to work in companies that value their experience and skills.
Train them: From conducting sessions with them to understand how they can r-energize their careers to tailor-made programs for different roles, organizations can prepare them for the journey with them.
Mentor them: Mentorship opportunities can provide a boost for women who are seeking ways to grow in their careers. Those on break and wanting to return have the drive and want to make the most of the opportunity they receive. Mentorship can help them with their trajectory. All Best Companies have mentoring programs, as per the 2023 study.
Second-career women offer a valuable resource to employers, plugging skills gaps and boosting diversity. Organizations stand a lot to gain when they channel the talent with a plan and clear objectives.
