Futures

The Rise of Returnships: A New Path for Professionals Re-entering the Workforce, (from page 20221218.)

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Summary

The “Great Resignation” has led to a rise in returnships, programs designed for professionals re-entering the workforce after career breaks. Major companies like Amazon, Accenture, and Goldman Sachs are offering structured, paid returnship programs to help individuals regain confidence and skills. These initiatives provide a supportive environment, allowing participants to reintegrate into work while developing new competencies. Although returnships typically do not guarantee full-time employment at the end, they offer valuable experience and networking opportunities. Overall, returnships are viewed positively as a way to bridge the gap for those returning to the job market.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Emergence of Returnships Returnships are gaining popularity as companies recognize the value of skilled professionals returning after a break. Shift from traditional hiring practices to structured returnship programs for experienced professionals. In ten years, returnships may become a standard practice in recruitment, normalizing career breaks. The desire to tap into a previously overlooked talent pool with valuable skills and experience. 4
Digital Nomad Lifestyle More individuals are adopting the digital nomad lifestyle, influenced by the pandemic and remote work opportunities. Transition from traditional office jobs to flexible, location-independent work arrangements. In ten years, the workforce may see a significant increase in remote and flexible work arrangements globally. The rise of remote work technology and changing employee expectations for work-life balance. 4
Reskilling During Career Breaks Individuals are actively reskilling during career breaks, utilizing support systems available to them. Shift from passive career breaks to actively enhancing skills during time away from work. In ten years, reskilling during breaks may become a norm, with structured programs widely available. The need for continuous learning and adaptation in rapidly changing job markets. 5
Corporate Support for Career Relaunch Companies are developing structured programs to support professionals re-entering the workforce after breaks. Shift from a lack of support to structured, supportive programs for career relaunchers. In ten years, corporate support for career relaunch will likely be integrated into hiring practices. Recognition of the value of diverse experiences and the importance of inclusivity in the workplace. 5

Concerns

name description relevancy
Job Security Post-Returnship There is no guarantee of full-time employment after completing returnship programs, leading to potential job insecurity for participants. 4
Imposter Syndrome Persistence Participants may still experience imposter syndrome after returnship programs, affecting their confidence and job performance. 3
Uneven Access to Programs Not all companies may offer returnship opportunities, leading to disparity in support for those re-entering the workforce. 4
Job Market Saturation With many returning to the workforce, there could be increased competition for limited job openings, impacting employability. 5
Dependency on Structured Programs Individuals may become reliant on structured returnship programs, which could restrict their ability to seek out unstructured opportunities. 3
Mentorship Quality Variability The effectiveness of mentorship during returnships may vary significantly, leading to inconsistent experiences for participants. 3

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Great Resignation A trend where employees voluntarily leave jobs en masse, seeking better opportunities or work-life balance. 5
Digital Nomadism Individuals moving abroad to work remotely while exploring new cultures and lifestyles. 4
Reskilling During Career Breaks Professionals using time off to learn new skills, funded by support systems like furloughs. 4
Returnships Structured programs allowing professionals to reintegrate into the workforce after a career break. 5
Cohort Community Support Returnship programs providing a sense of community and support among participants reentering the workforce. 4
Accelerated Career Development Returners leveraging programs to quickly adapt and enhance their skills for better job prospects. 4
Networking and Mentorship Opportunities Programs facilitating connections and guidance to improve employability in the job market. 4

Technologies

description relevancy src
Structured programs to help professionals reintegrate into the workforce after a career break, enhancing skills and confidence. 4 16492dc2f92cae2688e0f452eea5596b
Remote returnship opportunities allowing professionals to transition back into work flexibly, as seen with Amazon’s 16-week program. 4 16492dc2f92cae2688e0f452eea5596b
Specialized returnship initiatives focusing on technology roles, catering to individuals re-entering the tech industry. 3 16492dc2f92cae2688e0f452eea5596b
Programs that foster community and support among returners, enhancing networking and collaboration opportunities. 4 16492dc2f92cae2688e0f452eea5596b

Issues

name description relevancy
Great Resignation A trend where employees voluntarily left their jobs en masse, impacting workforce dynamics and employee expectations. 5
Returnships Emerging programs designed to help professionals reintegrate into the workforce after a career break, offering structured support and skills development. 5
Imposter Syndrome and Confidence Gaps Challenges faced by individuals re-entering the workforce after a break, highlighting the need for supportive programs. 4
Digital Nomad Lifestyle The rise of individuals working remotely while traveling, reflecting changing work-life balance preferences. 3
Reskilling during Career Breaks The trend of individuals using time off to acquire new skills, impacting future workforce readiness and adaptability. 4
Networking and Mentorship Opportunities The importance of networking and mentorship in enhancing employability for professionals returning to work after a break. 4