Unpacking the career transition process of returning women professionals in the Indian workplaces: a qualitative study

Abstract

PurposeThis study aims to explore the career transition process of women professionals when they return to the workplace after a break and re-integrate with their career aspirations.Design/methodology/approachThis research used a qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews for data collection. All 20 women participants have returned to their careers after a break.FindingsThe data analysis reveals women’s career transition and re-integration process into the workplace after a career break. Supervisory support, work–life balance practices, role models, coworker support and career success emerged as factors enabling successful transition. The employing organisations’ diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) hiring strategy emerged as an important mechanism for re-entry.Originality/valueAlthough previous research has studied women professionals returning after a break, the “transition process” that enables re-entry is missing.