Sara Lee program opens door for parents returning to workforce
By: David Sterrett Oct. 23, 2008
(Crain’s) — Sara Lee Corp. CEO Brenda Barnes has created a program that gives parents who left the workforce to raise children the opportunity to test the waters when they’re ready to return to the corporate world.
Sara Lee announced Thursday it’s launching “returnships,” four- to six-month internships at the Downers Grove-based foodmaker for mid-career professionals who have been out of the workforce for a few years.
Ms. Barnes herself knows the challenges such professionals face. In 1997 she resigned as president of PepsiCo Inc.’s North American beverage business to spend more time with her three school-aged children. At the time, she came in for criticism that she might be hurting other mothers’ chances of climbing the corporate ladder.
Ms. Barnes, who returned to Sara Lee in 2004 and took over as CEO in February 2005, developed the idea of returnships and “feels there is an untapped pool of talent for corporations,” says a Sara Lee spokesman. Ms. Barnes wasn’t available for comment Thursday.
“I haven’t seen anything like this (before), and it’s a great idea,” said Robert Wilson, president of Westmont-based Employco Group Ltd., a human resource consultant. “It’s a great opportunity for someone re-entering the workforce.” Read more.