UBS – Winner 2020, Best Returner Programme
Senior men and women who’ve had at least two years away from work can apply for any role in any location at any time of year through UBS AG’s Career Comeback programme.
Returners are recruited directly into permanent roles around the globe for the financial services firm and receive high levels of support and networking opportunities to help them transition back to work.
The judges were particularly impressed by the comprehensive support for returners. During the recruitment phase, candidates can access a wealth of information and advice via a dedicated microsite that includes case studies of former returners and tips on how to update CVs and carry out interviews successfully. Candidates can also attend an insight day with recruiters and hiring managers.
Once in post, returners benefit from an extensive six-month programme of coaching and mentoring, performance process webinars, buddy support from a former returner and the opportunity to meet business leaders to better understand the organisation, including the Programme’s executive sponsor.
Line managers of returners also receive group coaching and regular check-ins to ensure they are effective and supportive in their role.
While the programme is open to men and women, the company hopes it will attract senior women in particular and help achieve UBS AG’s aspiration of having women in at least one third of management roles. The programme has also prompted more conversations about gender equality among men and women, which UBS AG recognises is essential for this to become reality.
So far, the global programme has helped 150 people – including 143 women and seven men – back to work. A total of 85% still work for UBS AG four years after the programme launched.
The judges acknowledged the financial services sector was traditionally a tough industry for women, making these numbers more impressive.
Last year UBS AG appointed a dedicated returner programme manager who aims to scale up the project and gather more metrics to further demonstrate its impact.