In a pioneering move, Australian skincare brand, Alpha-H has announced a returnship employment program to promote gender equality in the workforce.
The Encoreship, a first-of-its-kind initiative, will provide aspiration employment opportunities to mature women who are facing challenges re-entering the workforce after an extended period of time away from work – for whatever reason.
"No longer can we look to others to solve our problems; we have a responsibility as a global brand to use our platform to be part of the solution," said Alpha-H chief commercial officer, Tina Randello.
"When developing our approach, we recognised the abundance of great support materials that exits for women to help navigate their career; conferences, forums, coaching, books and inspirational stories. But, given the seriousness and compounding impacts of the pandemic, words don't feel like enough anymore."
"We have set out on a journey with one mission, to empower women through action and advocacy," said Randello.
Alpha-H has partnered with a collective of like-minded brands to offer six full-time, paid 3-month placements across varied sectors. Brands include - Adore Beauty, Mamamia, DISSH, Next Level Online Marketing (NLOM), Ettitude and of course, Alpha-H.
"We are excited to get involved in The Encoreship program as we know the barriers women can face in returning to work after some time out of the workforce," Mamamia Women's Network co-founder and content director, Mia Freedman.
"To be able to give someone the opportunity to regain their confidence is something we are really passionate about."
As a business comprised of 70% women, Alpha-H’s own research and personal conversation identified a wider societal issue faced by women – this segment are facing considerable challenges re-entering the workforce after an extended period of time away from work.
Did you know:
- Between Feb – Oct 2020, 61% of job losses in Australia were experienced by women
- 72% of women feel the need to up-skill before re-entering the workforce
- Only 32% of mothers feel the confidence to re-enter the workforce
- Mature age women (55-64) have a considerable lower rate of workforce participation (only 59%) in comparison to mature age men (72%)
"We see The Encoreship as an incredible initiative that provides us as a business and community with a framework to take meaningful, practical actions to create real-life, long lasting impacts in the lives of women seeking to re-engage in the workforce," said DISSH director, Lucy Henry-Hicks.
Applications for The Encoreship open March 9, via the brands website here. Applications close April 8 with successful candidates announced May 26.
