Normalizing Returnship Programs

Career breaks are becoming increasingly common. Whether it's for raising a family, pursuing further education, or taking time off for personal reasons, many professionals find themselves stepping away from the workforce for extended periods. However, re-entering the job market after a long hiatus can be daunting. This is where returnship programs come into play, offering a structured and supportive pathway back to work.

Returnship programs are akin to internships for recent business school graduates. Just as internships provide a bridge between academic learning and professional employment, returnships offer a similar transition for those returning to the workforce. These programs typically include structured onboarding, skill development, coaching and mentorship, and allow for experience with real-world projects, helping returnees update their skills, rebuild confidence, and reconnect with the professional world.

Several leading companies have recognized the value of returnship programs and have implemented them with great success. For instance, Apple, Cisco, and Intel have all established returnship programs that have not only benefited the participants but also the companies themselves

• Apple's Returnship program is designed to support professionals reentering the workforce after a career break, particularly those who have taken time off for caregiving responsibilities. Participants engaged in a 17-week full time, paid returnship that offers mentoring, training and the opportunity to contribute to a team at Apple. focuses on moms who have left the workforce.
• Cisco Return-to-Work program is designed to assist professionals after a career break with a particular focus on technical roles. The program has been successful in helping participants reintegrate into the workforce, with many returners securing full-time positions at CISCO following their returnship.
• Intel's "Relaunch Your Career" program is a 16-to-20-week program designed for professionals with at least five years' experience who have taken a career break of more than a year, generally due to caretaking responsibilities.

The benefits of returnship programs extend beyond the individual participants. Analytics show that these programs have a positive impact on diversity, innovation, and employee engagement. For example, companies with returnship programs often see an increase in the representation of women and other underrepresented groups in their workforce. This diversity brings fresh perspectives and ideas, driving innovation and creativity within the organization.

Moreover, returnship programs have been shown to improve employee engagement. Participants often feel a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to their work, leading to higher levels of job satisfaction and productivity. This, in turn, benefits the company by fostering a more motivated and engaged workforce.

Normalizing returnship programs is a win-win for both professionals returning to work and the companies that hire them. By providing a supportive and structured pathway back to employment, these programs help individuals rebuild their careers while enhancing diversity, innovation, and employee engagement within organizations. It's time for more companies to recognize the value of returnship programs and make them a standard part of their hiring practices.