As the global workforce evolves, career breaks are becoming increasingly common, especially among women. Recognizing this trend, numerous companies in India are proactively launching Women Career Break Programs, also known as returnship programs, to tap into a valuable and diverse talent pool. These initiatives are designed to provide women professionals who have taken a break with the necessary support, training, and opportunities to seamlessly reintegrate into the workforce.
These programs are not only beneficial for women seeking to restart their careers but also offer significant advantages for companies. By embracing women career break programs, organizations can access a pool of experienced professionals, enhance gender diversity within their teams, and foster a more inclusive work environment.
Several leading companies in India are at the forefront of this movement, offering structured women career break programs. Here are some notable examples:
1. Amazon India – Rekindle Program
Amazon India’s Rekindle program is specifically tailored to support women returning to work after a career break. This comprehensive 16-week paid internship offers participants hands-on experience and the potential to transition into full-time roles within Amazon. The program is structured to refresh skills and provide a supportive environment for women to relaunch their careers in the dynamic tech industry.
https://www.amazon.jobs/en/landing_pages/rekindle
2. Goldman Sachs India – Returnship Program
Goldman Sachs India’s Returnship program is another excellent initiative aimed at professionals who have been on a career break for at least two years. This 12-week paid internship is open to both men and women, but strongly appeals to women returners seeking to re-enter the financial sector. Participants benefit from structured training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, with a pathway to potential full-time employment at Goldman Sachs.
https://www.goldmansachs.com/worldwide/india/careers/india-returnship.html
3. Deloitte India – Encore Program
Deloitte India’s Encore program is a 16-week initiative focused on helping individuals, including a significant number of women, who have experienced a career break of two or more years. This six-month paid internship is designed to update professional skills and provide relevant industry experience within Deloitte. The program emphasizes creating a supportive and inclusive environment for professionals returning to work.
https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/careers/articles/join-deloitte-encore-program.html
4. SAP India – Career Restart Program
SAP India’s Career Restart program is specifically designed to empower women professionals seeking to resume their careers after a break of two years or more. This three-month paid internship provides targeted training and integration into SAP’s work environment. The program is a testament to SAP’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, particularly in supporting women in technology.
https://jobs.sap.com/go/SAP-Returnship-Program/5365101/
5. IBM India – Tech Re-entry Program
IBM India’s Tech Re-entry Program is a 12-month paid internship designed for individuals who have been on a career break for over two years, with a strong focus on attracting women back into the tech workforce. This longer duration program allows for deeper skill refreshment and integration into IBM’s technology-driven environment, increasing the likelihood of conversion to full-time roles.
https://www.ibm.com/blogs/jobs/return-to-the-workforce-with-the-ibm-tech-re-entry-program/
6. Barclays India – Encore Program
Barclays India’s Encore program is a flagship diversity initiative that actively supports individuals returning to the workforce after a career break. This program provides leadership and development training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, alongside a paid working role for the duration of the program. Barclays’ Encore program is committed to providing a supportive pathway back to professional careers, with potential permanent roles for successful participants.
https://search.jobs.barclays/return-to-work
Conclusion
Women career break programs and returnship initiatives represent a significant step forward in creating a more inclusive and dynamic workforce in India. These programs not only offer a crucial pathway for talented women to relaunch their careers but also enable companies to benefit from a wider range of skills and perspectives. As the need for diverse talent grows, it is anticipated that more organizations will recognize the value of women career break programs and implement similar initiatives, fostering a truly equitable professional landscape.
For women seeking support beyond corporate programs, organizations like Qween also offer career assistance and returnship opportunities. Their ‘Rehire’ program aids individuals impacted by layoffs, and the ‘Women Return in Tech’ (WRIT) program, in collaboration with TNS India Foundation, specifically supports skilled women transitioning back into the tech sector.
https://qween.in/returnintech/
By working together, companies and support organizations can ensure that talented women are empowered to return and thrive in their chosen careers, contributing to a more balanced and productive workforce.
