Returnships: what are they and how can they benefit my company?

Returnship programmes or return to work programs are a relatively new concept in the UK. While similar to internships, returnships are for experienced executives and professionals returning to the workplace after an extended career break.

Companies are discovering how older executives can not only help increase diversity, but also improve staff retention and employee loyalty. As a result, returnships are increasing in popularity. In the UK, over a half a million professional women are on extended career breaks for caring reasons. 75% of these women want to return to work.

Ten2Two work with local businesses to design and deliver returnship programmes that offer flexibility in the local workplace. Our unique ‘Springboard Programme’ is designed to help local businesses recruit high calibre local professionals quickly and effortlessly. Deborah O’Sullivan, Managing Director of Ten2Two says, “Returnships are great for businesses as they can help companies find brilliant talent that they’d struggle to get elsewhere. However, flexibility is still a key requirement of any new role for candidates.”

Candidates like Sally Reader demonstrate how returnship programmes are a great flexible solution for employees: “After 14 years as a full time mum I never imagined I would have the opportunity to return to a career within a corporate environment. Being able to start work on a part time basis through the Hargreaves Lansdown Returner’s Programme has allowed me to step back into the workplace whilst still supporting my family.”

If you’re a business and you’d like to find out more about recruiting returners via Ten2Two’s ‘Springboard Programme’, please call 01442 503 727.