Mahindra Launches Groundbreaking ‘Returnship’ Program Enabling Women Professionals to Resume Careers After Break
An Innovative Initiative to Support Women Returning to the Workforce
Mumbai, January 17, 2025 – In a bold move to empower women re-entering the workforce, the Mahindra Group has unveiled its pioneering program, “SOAR: Seamless Opportunity for Amazing Returnships.” The program aims to provide full-time, meaningful career opportunities for women professionals who have taken a career break and are now ready to resume their corporate journeys.
A New Approach to Returnships
Unlike many industry programs that offer short-term or part-time assignments for returning professionals, SOAR is designed to help women reclaim their careers in a sustainable, long-term capacity. This initiative not only offers roles that align with the participants’ pre-break experience but also equips them with mentorship, training, and continued engagement to ensure their success.
Ruzbeh Irani, President of Group Human Resources at Mahindra Group, expressed the company’s commitment to the initiative, saying, “Women returning to the workforce bring resilience, fresh perspectives, and invaluable experience. At Mahindra, we believe in nurturing this talent by offering not just a role, but a journey—one enriched with guidance, upskilling, and long-term growth opportunities.”
Tailored Support for Every Returnee
SOAR is designed for women with at least five years of prior work experience and a career break ranging from six months to three years. The program begins with an intensive induction at the Mahindra Leadership University (MLU), fostering networking, collaborative learning, and a sense of shared purpose among participants.
Each woman in the program is paired with a mentor and a “buddy,” ensuring a smooth transition back to work with continuous guidance and advocacy. This structured support system is crucial in helping participants rebuild their professional identity and develop new skills while balancing work and personal commitments.
A Flexible and Inclusive Environment
Recognizing the diverse needs of returning professionals, SOAR offers flexible work arrangements, including options for job sharing or part-time roles. This flexibility allows participants to manage their personal and professional commitments effectively.
The program also includes periodic feedback loops, one-on-one check-ins, and leadership reviews to ensure participants continue to grow and thrive in their careers. The aim is not just to reintegrate women into the workforce, but to empower them to succeed and reach new professional heights.
To know more about this program, kindly log on to Mahindra Group Website.
A Step Towards Inclusive Growth
The Mahindra Group, a multinational corporation with a strong commitment to positive change, views this initiative as part of its broader philosophy of “Rise”—empowering people to drive positive change. SOAR is a testament to the Group’s belief that inclusive workplaces fuel resilience, innovation, and sustainable growth. By supporting women returning to work, Mahindra is not only enhancing the careers of individual professionals but also contributing to the broader communities they serve.
About Mahindra Group
Founded in 1945, Mahindra Group is one of the largest and most admired multinational federations, with 260,000 employees across over 100 countries. It holds leadership positions in sectors such as farm equipment, utility vehicles, IT, and financial services, and is the world’s largest tractor manufacturer by volume. With a focus on renewable energy, agriculture, logistics, hospitality, and real estate, Mahindra Group is committed to driving positive change and enhancing the lives of its communities through its “Rise” philosophy.
