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Section head
Case Study: Women Returners - Pfizer Global Research
The Pfizer Global Research and Development (PGRD) current maternity returner rate stands at 95% and the company wants to increase this further, not least because many of its female staff are in scientific and engineering professions with a high skills base and a depleting talent pool.
A range of initiatives are already in place to facilitate the process of returning to work:
- Dedicated employee Child Care Centre
- Childcare services for additional childcare arrangements
- Holiday Club Scheme
- Sponsor of the Daphne Jackson Fellowship Scheme which facilitates science returners
- 1 year phased return programme
In response to survey evidence "Assumption that I would be able to carry on where I left off with no extra planning", PGRD has developed a ‘Return to Work’ pack, essentially a set of booklets detailing all the steps employees and their supervisors should take, prior to their departure, before and upon their return:
- Managers Pack - with emphasis on the importance of communication during the break, a re-introduction programme, and a set of template letters, eg, welcome back
- Colleagues Pack - with monthly/weekly prompts, a practical check-list, eg, where to locate new HR policy, how to deal with email/phones/office storage during absence and on return feedback forms
The Return to Work pack has since been adapted for returners from career breaks, sabbaticals and long-term sickness.
Available initially in hard copy, PGRD is moving to an on-line package to facilitate legislative updating and enhancements.
The maternity rate has been retained at 95% and qualitative feedback suggests that the whole experience of taking the break has been enhanced. PGRD’s records show that, since the launch, every colleague notifying them of a pregnancy has requested a Pack for themselves and their supervisor. The company will continue to evaluate the impact of the Pack.
Contact Point
HR Department, Pfizer Global Research and Development, Sandwich, Kent CT13 9NJ
