Lendlease and STEM Returners join forces for return-to-work initiative 

Lendlease Europe has announced a partnership with STEM Returners to help people return to the industry following a career break.  

The Lendlease STEM Returners Programme will be available across the organisation’s divisions including build to rent, construction and consulting.  

STEM Returners, which delivers returner programmes, will source candidates and provide them with additional support including advice, career coaching, and mentoring. 

Shaina Kotecha, chief people officer for Lendlease Europe, said: “Partnering with STEM Returners will help attract people back into work after a long break, contributing to the strong and diverse workforce we strive for, where every individual’s skills help contribute to our organisation’s goals." 

Annual research from STEM Returners (The STEM Returners Index) shows the challenges people when trying to return to work following a career break.  

According to the findings, recruitment bias is the main barrier to entry. The research shows that 66% of STEM professionals on a career break say they are finding the process of attempting to return to work either difficult or very difficult. Nearly half (46%) of participants said they felt bias because of a lack of recent experience. 

Natalie Desty, director of STEM Returners, said: “People wanting to return to work after a career break face an uphill battle, especially when they want to return to STEM industries.  

“We are very proud to be entering this new partnership with Lendlease, to return highly skilled people back into the industry they love. Only by partnering with industry leaders like Lendlease, will we make vital changes in STEM recruitment practices, to help those who are finding it challenging to return to the sector and improve diversity and inclusion.” 

The STEM Returners Index is open to all STEM professionals who have had a gap in their career, who are attempting to return to work, or who have recently returned to work. The 2023 survey is open until 30 June and is available here.