re-enter the workforce

USAGE SUMMARY

"re-enter the workforce" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase commonly used when referring to a person who has returned to working after not working, such as someone who has been raising a family, taking a break from work, or returning from retirement. For example: After taking a break from work to focus on raising her family, Sarah decided to re-enter the workforce.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

This leaves fewer opportunities for people to re-enter the workforce at higher levels.

The Economist

For example, Bank of America Merrill Lynch's Returning Talent programme helps women and men re-enter the workforce after time away caring for family.

The Guardian

When self-driving cars can ferry children to and from school, more mothers may be freed to re-enter the workforce.

The Economist

As more women re-enter the workforce and build their muscle as breadwinners, more men will be required to step up on the home front – and it's here they find themselves facing the exact dilemma that has traditionally faced women: By declaring my desire to become more hands-on the home front, do I risk being seen soft or less serious about my career?

The Guardian - Opinion

In the face of the slowly recovering economy, tending bar and serving tables is no longer a "transitional job" for those down on their luck or still in school, but rather the only way some women can enter or re-enter the workforce at all.

The Guardian - Opinion

Says Lyons: "The fact that because women often want to re-enter the workforce following parental leave on a part-time basis, so that they can still continue a role with the family as well, and they come back dumbing down their skills, and having to dumb down their education in order to get a job that suits family and lifestyle is really disappointing".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Then in 2004 she re-entered the workforce armed with a grant and a mission.

The New York Times - Arts

America's workforce grew by 805,000, partly because many unemployed people who had stopped looking for work re-entered the workforce.

The Economist

My new path took me to San Diego, where I re-entered the workforce and eventually married a wonderful man whose destiny it was to drive me around.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One of her concerns is that women re-entering the workforce after parental leave are not being given managerial roles, if they wanted to do them on a part-time basis.

The Guardian

The Department for Work and Pensions has pledged that a new package of support to give practical help for re-entering the workforce will be in place by the time the cuts come into force in April.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about someone's return to work, provide context. Mention the reason for their absence (e.g., parental leave, career break) to give a fuller picture.

Common error

Avoid portraying the return to work as a simple switch. Acknowledge potential challenges like skill gaps or changes in the workplace.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "re-enter the workforce" functions as a verbal phrase that describes the action of returning to employment after a period of absence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "re-enter the workforce" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe returning to employment after a period of absence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, from news reports to professional communications. While related phrases like ""return to work"" and ""rejoin the workforce"" exist, "re-enter the workforce" often implies a more significant break in employment history. When using this phrase, consider the reasons for the absence to provide a complete picture. Be mindful that transitioning back into the workforce can be challenging, and individuals may need support to overcome hurdles such as skill gaps.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

re-enter the labor force

Synonymous, using "labor force" instead of "workforce".

rejoin the workforce

Implies a previous connection to the workforce.

return to employment

A slightly more formal way of saying "return to work".

return to work

A more general term for going back to employment.

transition back to work

Focuses on the process of returning.

get back into the labor market

Focuses on the economic aspect of employment.

resume one's career

Highlights the continuation of a professional path.

pick up where one left off

Emphasizes the idea of continuing from a previous point.

reestablish oneself professionally

Highlights the act of rebuilding a professional identity.

integrate back into working life

Emphasizes the social aspects of being employed.

FAQs

How can I use "re-enter the workforce" in a sentence?

You can use "re-enter the workforce" to describe someone who is returning to work after a period of absence, such as "After raising her children, she decided to "re-enter the workforce"".

What are some alternatives to "re-enter the workforce"?

Some alternatives include "return to work", "rejoin the workforce", or "return to employment".

Is it better to say "re-enter the workforce" or "return to work"?

Both phrases are correct, but ""re-enter the workforce"" specifically implies a longer period of absence, while ""return to work"" can refer to a shorter break.

What challenges might someone face when they "re-enter the workforce"?

They might face challenges such as outdated skills, a lack of recent experience, or difficulty finding a job that accommodates their needs.