Navigating the return to work—together

Returning to work after maternity leave is one of the biggest transitions in your career. You’ve changed, your world has changed, and yet the workplace expects you to step back in as if nothing has happened. It’s overwhelming, exhausting, and sometimes even isolating.

But you don’t have to do it alone.

Join a community of professional women who understand exactly what you're going through.

Branch connects professional women returning to work with structured support, expert guidance, and a community of like-minded peers.  

  • CURATED GROUPS

    Meet women at a similar career stage, returning at the same time.

  • EXPERT-LED SESSIONS

    Practical strategies from experienced coaches and mentors.

  • REAL CONNECTIONS

    Build a trusted network of women who support each other through every step.

Branch is already transforming women’s experience of returning to work for the better 

Women have joined our programme from 50+ organisations across various sectors including technology, finance, legal, consulting, and the public sector.

Hannah

“Returning to work from maternity leave has proven more challenging than I expected but having a regular session with mums at a similar stage has been enormously helpful.”

Ruth

“I found myself feeling more confident, able to set boundaries in my work and overall, just be kinder to myself. I’m so grateful I joined and would recommend it to any of my friends or colleagues. Thank you Branch!”

The true cost of a bad return experience

When women struggle to return to work after maternity leave, it’s not just a personal challenge. It’s a systemic issue with far-reaching consequences.

  • 82% of women leave full-time employment within two years of having a baby.

  • The ‘motherhood penalty’ is a key driver of the gender pay gap and the lack of women in leadership.

  • Companies invest in attracting and developing female leaders, yet many fail to support them at a critical career moment. Without structured return-to-work support, businesses face costly attrition, reduced productivity, and weaker talent pipelines.

  • A 17% workforce exit rate among mothers contributes to skill shortages and slows economic growth. The UK loses billions annually due to women stepping back or out of the workforce.

  • Career breaks impact lifetime earnings, pensions, and financial security. When women struggle to return, families feel the strain—not just in income, but in career aspirations and work-life balance.