foundit has released data trends around women returnees in India’s white-collar market. Data indicates that industries such as Telecom, Staffing, and BPO held the highest demand share for women returnees as of May 2023. It further suggests that India Inc. is actively implementing inclusive practices and experiencing an improved hiring momentum for women returning to the workforce after a career break.
6% of the total women workforce on the foundit platform were those who have taken a career break, demonstrating a growth in participation and intent to rejoin the workforce. India Inc. has come a long way with diversity and inclusivity in the workplace with menstrual leaves, LGBQTIA+ supportive policies, higher flexibility, and diversity-based hiring to empower its workforce.
Interestingly, the hiring momentum for women returnees with 4-10 years of experience has been considerably high. Moreover, city trends indicate that Bangalore (24% share) held the highest share of job postings for women returnees, followed by Hyderabad (19% share), Chennai (14% share), Delhi (11% share), Pune (11% share), Kolkata (10% share), and Ahmedabad (10% share).
Telecom and Recruitment industries host the highest demand share for women returnees
The Telecom/ISP industry has been largely accommodating of women returning from a career break with the highest share of job postings (19% share). Other segments such as Recruitment/Staffing (15% share), BPO/ITES/Call Centers (14% share), Advertising PR MR & Events (12% share), and IT (11% share) were also among the top 5 industries.
With constant adaptation to changes in work and workplace, many companies are offering flexible arrangements, such as part-time work, work-from-home options, and job-sharing arrangements allowing women to balance their work and personal responsibilities more effectively. Some organizations also provide childcare support, such as onsite daycare facilities or subsidized childcare expenses, to help working parents manage their responsibilities.
Top roles for women returnees as per foundit
| Top roles | % Share |
|---|---|
| Software development | 33% |
| HR/Admin | 18% |
| Operations | 12% |
| Finance & Accounts | 11% |
| Analytics | 8% |
| Content | 7% |
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