The narrative we have heard for years is that women are reluctant to return to work after having children. Despite what many think, 63% of women wanting to return to work are looking for full-time jobs. 34% want flexible hours, and around 13% are interested in part-time or project-based work. Overall, about 7 million Indian women are trying to get back into the workforce. Even so, gendered employment patterns persist. Men typically continue in full-time roles, while women often exit the workforce. Accenture’s inclusive approach to parental leave is a phenomenal step that helps counter this stereotype.
The loss of work experience, especially in full-time roles, becomes a major roadblock for women trying to restart their careers. That is where Accenture’s Career Reboot Program steps in. It helps talented women rejoin the workforce and prove that motherhood does not mean a career full stop.
How Accenture helps mothers rejoin the workforce
Accenture India’s Career Reboot Program is a unique initiative designed to assist women in rejoining the workforce after a career break. This program is part of Accenture’s Vaahini Network, which comprises 120,000 women professionals. The platform aims to help women achieve their professional goals through training, mentorship, and a supportive network. Women who have had a career break of over 24 months are eligible to apply and can choose from various career paths, including technology, operations, strategy & consulting, and corporate functions.
Accenture’s inclusive approach to parental leave ensures that new mothers have the flexibility, structure, and support needed to decide when and how to return to work. The Career Reboot Program offers flexible work arrangements tailored to individual needs and business requirements. Options include part-time schedules, flexible working hours, and work-from-home opportunities. This support makes a significant difference for those wanting to spend more time with their babies.
For some unfair gender bias reasons, returning mothers are expected to manage overwhelming situations on their own. It includes tasks like pumping and breastfeeding, caring for sick children, and handling postpartum anxiety and depression. Moreover, they have to do it all while receiving minimal or no support. This expectation places an unfair and unrealistic burden on mothers. Accenture’s flexible work options aim to change that sexist standard, making it easier for mothers to balance work and family.
Accenture’s inclusive policy for parental leave and the benefits for parents
The policies and programs at Accenture support parents and those planning to become parents, including through adoption. Their adoption assistance program in India provides financial aid for adoption-related expenses. Here, each employee is eligible for the benefit for up to two adoptions.
In 2016, Accenture was one of the first companies in India to align adoption and surrogacy leave with maternity leave practices. By 2021, they introduced inclusive, gender-neutral parental leave options covering childbirth, surrogacy, and adoption. Additionally, their corporate medical insurance in India includes coverage for maternity, fertility, and surrogacy treatments for employees and their spouses or LGBTIQ+ partners.
By offering parental leave and financial assistance for adoption and surrogacy, employees can take the time they need without worrying about their career progression being halted or negatively impacted. This inclusive approach also supports not just biological parents but also adoptive parents, surrogate parents, and those with same-sex partners, ensuring that all employees have access to the resources they need to start or grow their families.
The final thoughts on Accenture’s inclusive policy for parental leave
Accenture is making a real difference for women returning to work after having children. Their flexible policies and support programs help women overcome common challenges and keep their careers on track. By offering inclusive benefits and understanding that motherhood and work can go hand in hand, Accenture shows that companies can create fairer workplaces. Their approach sets a strong example for others to follow.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content, which we define broadly to include media, policies, law, and history—encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and gender-queer individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
