It's no secret that women face unique challenges when returning to work after a leave. According to research from the Vistage International CEO organization, nearly half of businesses have no return ramp policy in place for these women. This can lead to an overwhelming and often unsuccessful re-entry process.
In this article, we'll discuss how to create a return ramp for women returning to work and provide tips on how to make the transition back into the workforce as smooth as possible.
A return ramp enables women who left the workforce to stay connected and current with the company, best practices in their function, and advances in their industry. This ensures a seamless transition back into the workforce.
Creating a return ramp should be a collaborative effort between the employer and the employee. The process should start with an understanding of why the employee left, what their goals are for returning, and how the company can best support them.
Females face a number of challenges when returning to work after a leave. The most common include:
After being out of the workforce for an extended period of time, it's natural to feel like you've lost your edge. One way to combat this is by staying up-to-date on industry news and trends. This will help you feel more confident when you return to work.
According to the Vistage research, childcare is the top concern for women returning to work. If possible, start planning your childcare arrangements well in advance of your return date. This will help ease some of the stress and allow you to focus on your career.
Many women need flexibility when returning to work. This could include flexible hours, working from home, or a reduced schedule. If your company is unable to accommodate your needs, you may need to consider other options.
There are a few key things to keep in mind when creating a return ramp:
There are several attributes that a return ramp should include:
Creating a return ramp is an important way to support women as they transition back into the workforce. By including these attributes, employers can create a seamless transition back into the workforce and help retain top talent.
If you're a woman returning to work after a leave, we hope these tips are helpful in creating a return ramp that works for you. If you're an employer, we encourage you to reach out to us to discuss how we can support you in creating a return ramp for your employees.