The gender pay gap is not just a statistic—it’s a reflection of structural inequalities that persist in our workplaces. For employers striving to be more inclusive and equitable, tackling the pay gap is about more than just reporting data. It’s about action, intention, and meaningful change.
At Back to Work Connect, we partner with Returner Friendly employers who are serious about creating opportunities for experienced talent re-entering the workforce—particularly women. These returners often bring rich experience and fresh perspectives, but many face barriers that contribute to the gender pay gap, such as career breaks due to caregiving responsibilities.
Here’s how we can help employers move beyond compliance and towards progress.
Gender Pay Gap Reporting – and Beyond
We know that the process of gender pay gap reporting can feel daunting. But it also offers a real opportunity to evaluate your hiring and progression strategies.
By working with Back to Work Connect, employers can:
- Attract experienced, capable women looking to re-enter the workforce, increasing representation across teams.
- Highlight their commitment to inclusive hiring by being listed as a Returner Friendly Employer on our platform.
- Access insights from our returner community about the challenges they face—and how employers can better support them.
These stories and insights can help employers contextualise their gender pay gap reports, while showcasing the work they’re doing to address imbalances.
Aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Back to Work Connect is proud to align our mission with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—especially:
- SDG4 Quality Education
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG9 Innovation and Infrastructure
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG17 Partnerships for the Goals
When employers partner with us, they’re not only improving their own workplace culture—they’re contributing to a broader global mission for social change.
Our Community Events Build Real Connections
We run community events across Ireland, that support Returners looking for a way back into the workforce.
These events are more than just networking. They are spaces for:
- Honest conversations about barriers to re-entry
- Employer-led workshops showcasing inclusive hiring practices
- Building relationships that lead to real employment opportunities
If you’re reporting on actions taken to close your gender pay gap, events like these are a clear demonstration of impact.
Free Resources and Employer Support
We understand that creating returner-friendly pathways takes time and guidance. That’s why we provide:
- A Community Care Support Team offering personalised support to returners
- A growing library of free toolkits, guides, and employer webinars to help you upskill internally and embed returner-friendly policies
- Access to returner stories that can enrich your internal communications and pay gap narratives
Showcase Your Roles on Our Returner-Friendly Jobs Board
Our platform features a dedicated jobs board that connects employers with returners actively seeking employment. By listing roles with us, you’re reaching a talent pool that’s experienced, motivated, and often overlooked by traditional recruitment methods.
Employers who proactively hire returners contribute directly to reducing the gender pay gap—by valuing and reintegrating skilled professionals who’ve had a non-linear career journey.
Empowering Returners Through Education
Skills gaps can often prevent returners from progressing in their careers, which in turn impacts pay equity. Our course directory offers access to upskilling and reskilling opportunities, many of which are flexible, free, or government-funded.
Employers can support gender equity by signposting these learning pathways to candidates—or collaborating with us to build tailored talent pipelines.
Let’s Close the Gap Together
At Back to Work Connect, we’re passionate about creating a workforce that values experience, flexibility, and fairness. If you’re an employer working on your gender pay gap report or simply want to take meaningful steps toward equity, we’re here to help.
Get in touch today to find out how we can partner with you on your gender equality journey.
Reach out to us today at info@backtoworkconnect.ie
