What is the story about?
What's Happening?
Joanne Mortimer, a former global head of learning and development at a pharmaceutical company, recently returned to the workforce after a six-year career break. During her time away, Mortimer focused on her family and pursued a master's degree in herbal medicine, while also engaging in volunteer work and short-term contracts. Her return to full-time work was facilitated by the 'Rejuvenate' program, developed by University College Cork and Taste4Success Skillnet, which supports professional women in overcoming self-doubt and re-entering their careers. The program includes group sessions, one-on-one coaching, and practical steps to help participants regain confidence and clarity about their career goals.
Why It's Important?
The return of experienced professionals like Mortimer to the workforce is significant for several reasons. It addresses the issue of recruitment biases against individuals with career gaps, as highlighted by Julianne Miles, co-founder of careerreturners.com. These biases can lead to talented individuals being overlooked due to automated CV screening processes. Programs like 'Rejuvenate' help bridge this gap by providing support and resources to women and marginalized groups, thereby enhancing diversity and inclusion in the workplace. This not only benefits the individuals but also enriches the organizations that gain from their experience and fresh perspectives.
What's Next?
As more professionals seek to return to work after career breaks, organizations may need to adapt their recruitment processes to accommodate this talent pool. This could involve revising CV screening practices and offering more flexible work arrangements. Additionally, the success of programs like 'Rejuvenate' may inspire similar initiatives across other sectors, further supporting the reintegration of skilled individuals into the workforce. Stakeholders such as HR professionals, career coaches, and policymakers may play a crucial role in facilitating these changes.
Beyond the Headlines
The broader implications of supporting career returners extend to societal and economic dimensions. Encouraging experienced professionals to re-enter the workforce can help address skill shortages and boost economic productivity. It also promotes gender equality by supporting women who have taken career breaks for family reasons. Furthermore, the psychological benefits of returning to work, such as increased self-esteem and professional identity, contribute positively to individual well-being and societal health.
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