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Women in Leadership

Returning to Work After a Career Break

A career break is treated by many employers as a gap requiring explanation rather than a period in which a person continued to be capable, and the returner is often asked to accept less than they left. This programme prepares for that negotiation. Delegates work through auditing current capability honestly, separating what genuinely needs updating from what only feels dated. Closing real gaps efficiently is covered, including what can be learned quickly and what cannot. Presenting the break without apology follows, along with answering the question directly and moving the conversation on. Targeting employers and roles where a return is realistic is addressed. Returnship and phased return arrangements are covered. Negotiating terms, hours and the review point that protects a phased arrangement follows. The first ninety days back are addressed, including confidence, pace and asking questions without feeling diminished. The programme closes on rebuilding networks and on planning the next step.

Course objectives

  • Audit current capability and separate real gaps from perceived ones
  • Close genuine gaps efficiently before applying
  • Present a career break without apology or over explanation
  • Target employers and roles where a return is realistic
  • Use returnship and phased return arrangements
  • Negotiate terms, hours and a protective review point
  • Manage the first ninety days and rebuild professional networks

Who should attend

  • Women returning after parental or caring responsibilities
  • Professionals returning after illness or relocation
  • People re entering work after further study
  • Managers supporting returning team members
  • Human resources staff designing return to work programmes

Course outline

  1. 01A gap requiring explanation
  2. 02Auditing capability honestly
  3. 03Real gaps against perceived ones
  4. 04Closing gaps efficiently
  5. 05Presenting the break without apology
  6. 06Targeting realistic employers and roles
  7. 07Returnships, phased return and negotiating terms
  8. 08The first ninety days, networks and the next step

Scheduled sessions

Scheduled sessions for Returning to Work After a Career Break
DatesVenueFormatPriceRegister
23 to 24 November 2026Pretoria, South AfricaClassroomR11,950 per delegateRegister Now
10 to 11 December 2026Kampala, UgandaClassroomUSD 795 per delegateRegister Now
24 to 25 December 2026Maseru, LesothoClassroomR11,950 per delegateRegister Now
6 to 7 January 2027OnlineOnlineR6,500 per delegateRegister Now

Returning to Work After a Career Break

From R6,500

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