Our panel, Sylwia Ziemacka, Edna Petzen, Katherine Rose, Jessica Twigg.
Navigating career breaks and workplace reintegration
Career transitions are a reality for many professionals, especially women who face disruptions due to parental leave, caregiving responsibilities, or personal health challenges. The recent webinar, Disrupting direction – Turning hurdles into opportunities, brought together a panel of experts to discuss overcoming career setbacks and transforming them into opportunities for growth.
Moderated by Sylwia Ziemacka, Head of Membership and Partners Network at WiRL collaborator, Senior Housing and Healthcare Association, the discussion featured Katherine Rose, Chief Customer Officer at Elysian; Edna Petzen, Founder & Director of Lynden Consulting; and Jessica Twigg, Sales & Marketing Executive at WiRL corporate partner, TIS. Each shared their unique experiences and strategies for career reintegration, offering valuable insights into navigating workplace transitions.
Challenging misconceptions around career breaks
A significant theme that emerged from the discussion was the need to dispel common misconceptions about career breaks.
Katherine Rose highlighted a bias she has frequently encountered: “The biggest misconception is that women returning from a break are seen as less committed to their careers. Unfortunately, these biases exist, particularly around childcare. Interestingly, men who take on flexible schedules for parenting don’t seem to face the same assumptions.”
Edna Petzen, who transitioned from a corporate role to running her own consultancy, challenged the notion that switching careers is inherently risky: “Women are often told that stepping away or changing industries means starting from scratch. The reality is, skills are transferable, and opportunities exist if we are open to them.”
Recognising and leveraging transferable skills
A key takeaway from the webinar was the importance of recognising and leveraging transferable skills gained during career breaks.
Jessica noted: “During maternity leave, I developed stronger multitasking, problem-solving, and communication skills. These are crucial in any workplace, yet many women underestimate their value upon returning to work.”
Katherine reinforced the importance of shifting perspectives: “Separating skills from experience is essential. A break doesn’t mean you lost your skills. Identifying what you are good at and applying it to your next role is key. If you struggle with this, seek feedback from mentors or use tools like AI-driven career analysis.”
Building confidence and support networks
One of the biggest challenges in returning to work is regaining confidence. Many professionals experience self-doubt, questioning their ability to perform at the same level as before.
Jessica shared: “Returning to work after a year off was daunting. I kept wondering, ‘Can I still do my job? Will I be valued?’ But as I re-engaged, I realised how much I missed the professional environment and how much I could still offer.”
Edna emphasised the importance of a strong support system: “Confidence plays a huge role in career transitions. Whether you’re returning from maternity leave, a caregiving role, or changing industries, having a network of mentors and peers is crucial.”
Katherine, who faced career disruptions due to personal health challenges, also underlined the importance of open conversations: “I initially considered stepping away from an executive role, but through workplace flexibility and transparent discussions, I found a path that worked for me.”
Strategies for a smooth career transition
The panel shared actionable steps for professionals navigating career reintegration:
1. Identify transferable skills
· Recognise leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability skills gained outside traditional work.
· Seek feedback from mentors and former colleagues.
· Use AI-based tools for career analysis.
2. Build a support network
· Engage with professional associations and networking groups.
· Reconnect with previous colleagues.
· Join industry-specific forums.
3. Invest in continuous professional development (CPD)
· Stay updated through online courses and webinars.
· Attend networking events and professional workshops.
· Take on short-term projects or freelance work.
4. Advocate for flexible work arrangements
· Discuss phased return-to-work plans with employers.
· Consider roles in new sectors where skills may be transferable.
· Highlight the benefits of flexible work for productivity.
The role of employers in career reintegration
The discussion also addressed workplace attitudes and the role of employers in supporting returning professionals.
Jessica praised her company’s culture, stating: “I feel very fortunate because our workplace values flexibility and inclusivity. If any discrimination were to occur, I’m confident it would be addressed swiftly.”
However, Edna pointed out that not all businesses provide the same level of support: “Women make up half the workforce and contribute significantly, there is an opportunity for employers to implement supportive infrastructures to help them return and thrive.”
The discussion also explored Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) as a valuable tool for workplace reintegration. These networks provide a space for individuals facing similar challenges to share experiences, access resources, and advocate for policy improvements.
Sylwia: “Many major employers now implement ERGs for parents, caregivers, and women in leadership. These initiatives help normalise career transitions and foster a supportive workplace culture.”
Final thoughts: Embracing career transitions as opportunities
As the webinar concluded, the panellists reinforced the idea that career breaks should not be viewed as setbacks but as opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Jessica: “Returning to work isn’t about picking up where you left off; it’s about moving forward with new skills, perspectives, and confidence.”
Katherine: “Career transitions are a natural part of professional life. What matters is how we approach them and the support we have along the way.”
The key message was clear: with the right mindset, confidence, and workplace support, individuals can navigate career reintegration successfully. Employers, too, play a crucial role in fostering an inclusive and adaptable work environment that recognises and values diverse career paths.
Comentários