{"id":6565,"date":"2025-08-21T12:32:34","date_gmt":"2025-08-21T12:32:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/backtoworkconnect.ie\/careerhub\/?p=6565"},"modified":"2025-08-21T12:32:37","modified_gmt":"2025-08-21T12:32:37","slug":"why-returners-belong-in-every-hiring-strategy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/backtoworkconnect.ie\/careerhub\/why-returners-belong-in-every-hiring-strategy\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Returners Belong in Every Hiring Strategy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We don\u2019t live in an equal society. Even with the progress made in recent years, barriers to opportunity are still deeply rooted. That\u2019s why Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) initiatives remain so important\u2014they shine a light on inequality and push organisations to do better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But working with Returners through Back to Work Connect<\/a> has shown me something I feel strongly about: while Returners are often placed under the umbrella of D&I, hiring them shouldn\u2019t be treated as a diversity initiative. It should be part of a company\u2019s core hiring strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Returners\u2014people who\u2019ve taken a career break for caregiving, health, or other life reasons\u2014come back to the job market with experience, perspective, and drive. What holds them back isn\u2019t a lack of skill or potential. It\u2019s the outdated perception that a gap on a CV equals a gap in ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of this bias, many employers categorise Returner programmes as part of their D&I commitments. On one hand, I understand: Returners are disadvantaged by a system that doesn\u2019t recognise non-linear career paths. But here\u2019s the truth: this isn\u2019t about inclusion as an \u201cextra.\u201d It\u2019s about recognising the very real talent already standing at the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Back to Work Connect, I\u2019ve seen first-hand the impact Returners have when given the chance. They bring fresh energy, loyalty, problem-solving skills, and a resilience shaped by their life experiences. They don\u2019t need to be \u201cincluded\u201d as if they\u2019re an exception to the rule\u2014they need to be seen as professionals who add value from day one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s why we work directly with employers to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n