Returner Pathways
We design and implement tailored return-to-work programmes to support both current employees who are rejoining your organisation and new pools of untapped talent interested in becoming part of your team. These returner programmes are proven to facilitate a smooth reintegration for employees returning to their previous employer, while also serving as an effective strategy for attracting new talent to your business.
Our Why
At The People Portfolio, we firmly believe that taking a career break should never impede future professional success. Many people temporarily leave their careers for reasons such as childcare, supporting family, managing menopause or menstrual health, or navigating personal challenges. Upon deciding to return, they often encounter obstacles like skills gaps, diminished confidence, and hiring bias.
We are committed to changing this narrative. Our return-to-work support services are crafted to empower people to re-enter the workforce with renewed confidence and clarity, while enabling organisations to benefit from their wealth of experience. Through bespoke coaching and targeted workshops, we unlock the unique perspectives, resilience, and skills that returners offer.
Supporting women in their return to work is not only a matter of fairness—it is a strategic investment in talent, diversity, and economic growth. It plays a crucial role in closing the gender pay gap, fostering financial independence, and ensuring that caregiving responsibilities do not derail careers.
By recognising potential and valuing common career breaks, we help build stronger teams, create inclusive workplaces, and contribute to a better future for all.
How Does it Work?
Our approach begins with listening to your organisational needs. We develop a bespoke programme featuring workshops and coaching that align with your objectives and budget, suitable for both returning employees and new recruits. By working in partnership with you, we gain a deep understanding of your organisation’s culture, values, recruitment processes, onboarding procedures, and return-to-work practices.
The support requirements for both groups of returners often overlap. With our expertise, you select the groups you wish to support, define the programme content, and set timelines. We collaborate to identify and onboard participants, ensuring your organisational culture and values are upheld throughout. Programme topics for participants may include the following:
Rebuilding confidence
Identifying and communicating strengths, including using Belbin Team Roles
Understanding and building resilience
Managing menopause at work
Goal setting
The psychology of work, including work/life integration
Managing menstrual health at work
Employer Support Package
Our comprehensive package also offers tailored support for your employer team, which may include:
Best practice guidance for employing returners, including the roles of mentors and buddies
Inclusive recruitment strategies
Unconscious bias training
Menopause awareness for line managers
Menstrual health awareness for line managers
Get in touch to discuss creating a bespoke Returner Pathway for your organisation