CAREER RESILIENCE AND ADAPTABILITY AMONG WOMEN RETURNING TO WORK: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Career resilience and adaptability play a vital role in helping women successfully return to the workforce after taking extended breaks for personal, family, health, maternity leave or cultural reasons. The systematic literature review explores the psychological, social, and institutional challenges that can make these transitions difficult. The review highlights key strategies that support women in rebuilding their careers, such as ongoing skill development, being emotionally intelligent, emotionally resilient, and strong, building strong professional networks, and receiving meaningful support from employers. It also examines how inclusive workplace practices can promote gender equity and long-term career success. The systematic literature review follows the PRISMA framework to report the selection criteria.  Drawing on the study it offers practical recommendations for employers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to help remove persistent barriers and create flexible, supportive environments where women can thrive.