In the dynamic landscape of the insurance industry, reaching the untapped pool of women returners resuming their careers after extended breaks is both a strategic imperative and a catalyst for innovation. These valuable women often step away from their careers due to childbirth, redundancy, or prolonged illness, and their return signifies an opportunity for insurers to fill gaps in resilience, loyalty, and experience, while addressing talent shortages and retention challenges.
In the UK, a substantial number of women take career breaks annually. According to data from the Office for National Statistics, approximately 1.5 million women are currently on a career break. Despite their qualifications and experience, many women returners find themselves encountering obstacles and facing challenges, such as being overlooked for promotions and receiving lower pay upon their return.
Jacquie Duckworth, Founder of Visible Start, a pioneering programme working with employers across all sectors to empower mid-life women to kick-start their second careers, shares:
"Many women returning to work after extended breaks face significant challenges, often feeling invisible, isolated, and desperate, with low self-worth and confidence, particularly as mid-life women. This sense of being overlooked can hinder their re-entry into the workforce and their ability to thrive professionally. Employers have a crucial role to play in easing this transition by providing specific tools and support to rebuild confidence and ensure a seamless return to work."
Visible Start is a unique programme that has successfully worked with one of the biggest advertising agencies in the world and has secured roles for over 60 midlife women. There are many ways that employers can engage with this beneficial programme and Jacquie is very much looking forward to working with ISC Group to expand Visible Start reach within the insurance sector.
As part of our commitment to supporting women returnees, ISC Group is proud to partner with experts like Visible Start. Together, we aim to help women thrive as they re-enter the workforce and show employers the immense value of recruiting and retaining this often-overlooked talent pool.
Integrating women returners into the workforce offers numerous benefits. These professionals bring a unique blend of skills, including exceptional leadership capabilities, empathy, and the ability to juggle complex situations. Attributes honed through managing both professional responsibilities and personal commitments. Their diverse perspectives can lead to innovative solutions and drive organisational success. This is an opportunity for insurers to tap into this pool of talent to fill the gap in areas requiring resilience, loyalty, and life experience, qualities that align with bridging retention challenges and creating stronger, more sustainable workplaces. By investing in women returners, businesses can address the industry's talent shortage while benefiting from their unique contributions.
To effectively support women returners, employers in the reinsurance industry should focus on creating attractive workplaces that recognised the life journey of their employees. Universal design principles that offer practical solutions, such as flexible arrangements, job share, and remote working measures can help returners balance work and personal responsibilities, facilitating a smoother transition back into the workforce. Employers can also develop structured “returnship” programmes designed to reintegrate professionals after a career break, providing the necessary support and training to update their skills and knowledge. Additionally, establishing mentorship opportunities and peer support groups can help build confidence and self-esteem among returners while fostering a supportive community within the organisation.
At ISC Group, we recognise the value of women returners and the need to bridge the gap between employers and returners. With over 20 years of experience as a global, non-profit organisation, we are dedicated to the advancement of women in insurance. We have had the privilege to journey alongside many of our members as they have navigated life’s path. This experience has helped us curate a range of membership and programmes that connect and strengthen women through personal and career development, alongside building robust international networks, enhancing their leadership skills, which enable women at every stage of their careers to return and thrive in the re/insurance sector.
The future of the reinsurance industry in the digital age requires innovative approaches to address talent gaps and evolving workforce needs. Attracting and supporting experienced women returners is not only equitable but also a strategic advantage. By offering compelling opportunities and fostering an inclusive environment, employers can harness the expertise and insights of these professionals, helping to shape a more innovative, adaptive, and successful industry for the challenges ahead.
