How it works

How does the Parents on Leave™ Program Work?

Parents on Leave™ forms a ‘bridge’ for employees between time away from career roles for parental leave, and the recommencement of their professional role.

At Parents on Leave™, we understand that new parents are ‘time poor’ and routines are important. As the structured, face-to-face nature of the Program is critical to the Program’s intent, enabling ongoing career conversations and direct connection with a professional peer group, participants are engaged in one manageable half-day session, each month, for six months.

Parents are able to plan attendance and care arrangements in advance alongside their other priorities. The start and end times of sessions are strictly adhered to and dates are clearly mapped out ahead of time.

At a central location, participants experience the Program’s unique combination of guest speakers, panel discussions, small group project work and professional career coaching, in an intellectually stimulating learning environment. Cohorts are limited, up to 15 people from across different organisations, enhancing opportunities for personal career insights and networks.

In 2020, Parents on Leave™ Programs are being held in Sydney and Melbourne, and will expand to other cities in 2021.

Parents on Leave™: Fast Facts

  • A six-month Program for employees on parental leave
  • Ideally commencing in the lead up to returning to work
  • Participants attend one half-day module per month (six modules total)
  • Modules held at a central location
  • Each peer cohort is limited to 12-15 participants
  • Participants come from a range of professional environments
  • Participation is anticipated to be funded by employers, as part of ongoing talent strategy initiatives