Indian companies step up second-career hiring for women, up 32–35% since 2023
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Indian companies are increasingly turning to structured return-to-work programmes to bring experienced women professionals back into the workforce, leading to a 32–35% rise in hiring since 2023, according to insights from HR services firm Adecco India.
The trend reflects a broader shift in corporate workforce strategies as organisations try to address talent shortages at the mid- and senior-management level while improving diversity within leadership pipelines. Many companies are now rolling out diversity and inclusion (D&I) initiatives, second-career programmes and returnships aimed specifically at women who took career breaks.
India produces a large pool of educated women, but a significant number exit the workforce during their mid-career years, often due to caregiving responsibilities. Companies are increasingly viewing structured returnship programmes as a way to reintegrate this experienced talent.
“Post-pandemic, demand for D&I-led talent strategies has risen by 32%–35%, as companies increasingly recognise that enabling women to restart their careers is not only about inclusion but also about recovering experienced talent at a stage where leadership pipelines often face gaps,” said Sunil Chemmankotil, Country Manager at Adecco India.
Tech and GCCs lead hiring momentum
Technology and IT services companies are among the largest adopters of returnship programmes, reporting a 41% increase in such hiring since 2023. These roles typically target professionals with five to 15 years of experience in areas such as engineering, data science, product management and programme management.
Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are also emerging as key drivers, recording a 39% rise in second-career hiring as multinational firms expand diversity-focused recruitment in their India operations.
The banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) sector—one of the earliest adopters of returnship programmes globally—has seen a 35% increase in hiring through such initiatives in India. These opportunities span roles in risk management, consulting, product management, operations and client advisory.
Other industries are gradually following. Pharma, healthcare and life sciences have recorded 28% growth in returnship hiring, while consumer goods, retail and manufacturing have seen a 24% increase.
Hiring activity remains concentrated in major talent hubs including Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Mumbai and Gurugram, driven by strong technology and GCC ecosystems. However, Tier-2 cities such as Ahmedabad, Coimbatore and Thiruvananthapuram are also beginning to expand inclusive hiring programmes.
The wider labour market data also reflects improving participation by women. According to World Bank estimates cited in the report, India has recorded the sharpest increase in female labour force participation among BRICS economies, rising by more than 23 percentage points between 2015 and 2024. Government data shows a similar trend, with the female labour force participation rate increasing from 23% in 2017–18 to about 42% in 2023–24.
Industry benchmarks suggest returnship programmes are becoming mainstream. Among companies recognised as the “Best Companies for Women in India”, the number offering formal return-to-work initiatives has doubled since 2016.