At SAP SuccessFactors, we not only preach the virtues of implementing solutions to support diversity and inclusion in the workplace ‒ we also practice it.
In September 2018, SAP joined with Path Forward, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower experienced professionals to restart their careers after time spent away to focus on caregiving. They do this by providing a platform for people to apply for “returnship” opportunities with various companies. Returnships are paid, midcareer internships specifically designed for women and men who have taken a career pause to focus on family, such as being a caregiver to a parent or child.
Ninety-three percent of women taking a career break say they want to return but only 74 percent manage to do so, with only 40 percent returning full time.* This is an amazing pool of experienced talent that can collectively work with the ever-growing millennial population in the workplace.
When Amy Wilson, head of product at SAP SuccessFactors, asked me to take part in the program, I hesitated at first due to my workload. But as I reflect on my participation, I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference.
Here is my story as a manager of a “returnee,” who for the sake of preserving privacy, I will refer to as Sarah.
Our team needed a utility player to support different marketing communications projects, and Sarah’s prior experience in project management, copy writing, and marketing events — albeit over seven years old — touched on the areas where we needed support. This made it easy for us to narrow in on her during the recruitment process.
I attended a series of coaching meetings with Path Forward where I gained invaluable information covering onboarding and learning and development.
Path Forward shared some great qualities that returning caregivers can bring to the workplace:
Based on my observations while managing Sarah, I have some comments on a few notable traits.
For the returnship program to be a success for my team as well as for Sarah, I implemented a few actions pre- and post-onboarding:
As I look back at this inaugural collaboration with Path Forward and our time with Sarah, I am proud of my team for dedicating time in their busy days to help make the returnship experience positive for Sarah. I’m also proud of SAP for sponsoring this important program.
Eva Woo is global vice president of Solution Management – Initiatives and Industries.
*“Off-Ramps and On-Ramps: Keeping Talented Women on the Road to Success”, Hewlett, Sylvia Ann and Luce, Carolyn Buck; Harvard Business Review, March 2005. “How to Get Back to Work After Caring for a Family,” Koenig, Rebecca; US News and World Report, Feb 21, 2018