2025, Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part N

Purpose: This study explores the role of Human Resource (HR) practices and inclusive leadership in empowering women returning to the workforce post-maternity leave.
Design/methodology/approach: Anchored in Social Role Theory and Gender Role Congruity Theory, this mixed-methods study analyses responses from 40 women in the teaching and corporate sectors in Karnataka using descriptive statistics.
Findings: Results highlight significant gaps in policy implementation, inadequate HR support, and inconsistent leadership involvement. Childcare challenges, inflexible work arrangements, and lack of reintegration programs emerged as key barriers.
Practical implications: Effective reintegration requires empathetic leadership, flexible work policies, sector-specific interventions, and enhanced HR support structures.
Originality/value: This study contributes to the discourse on gender inclusion by offering a context-specific examination of post-maternity workplace reintegration in India.