rejoin the workforce

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rejoin the workforce" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone returning to work after a period of absence, such as after raising children or recovering from an illness. Example: "After taking a few years off to care for her family, she is excited to rejoin the workforce and pursue her career again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Government figures show a growing crisis and 4Children warns of a knock-on effect on working parents and those – mostly women – seeking to rejoin the workforce.

The Guardian - Money

The Work Programme provided "flexible support so they have the right skills for when they are ready to rejoin the workforce", it said.

The Guardian

Even where unemployment remains relatively high, some governors have brought back the requirement, saying it encourages people to rejoin the workforce.

The Washington Post

Registered nurses "who were not working or were working part-time may rejoin the workforce or change to full-time status to bolster their household's economic security," they write.

The New Yorker

Called "Back in Business", the 16-day, $12,000 re-entry programme is open only to students with "work experience in a high-potential career".The majority will inevitably be mothers wanting to rejoin the workforce.

The Economist

It was like a family of four in which, all of a sudden, the elder child is old enough to take care of her little brother and the mother can rejoin the workforce.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Licensing also inhibits many ex-offenders from rejoining the workforce because they lack the requisite clean police record.

The Washington Post

Without fair wages and in the absence of a social safety net that allows any kind of dignity, I can see how the chance of rejoining the workforce might range from unlikely to impossible.

The Guardian - Opinion

She stopped cashing her actor's trade union pension cheques, rejoined the workforce and, in the wake of Joy's popularity, was offered a judging gig on upcoming reality TV show Master Of Photography and a role in a drama.

The Guardian - Film

Most off all I just felt a sense of relief, and a satisfaction that I was rejoining the workforce; I was, once again, pulling my weight in society.

Huffington Post

Without access to modern contraception, women have more children then they want or can support -- preventing them from rejoining the workforce, and keeping them from spacing their births in a way that is healthy and makes sense for their families.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rejoin the workforce", consider specifying the reason for the absence (e.g., parental leave, sabbatical, illness) to provide context.

Common error

Ensure the person being referred to has previously been part of the workforce before using "rejoin the workforce". Otherwise, use phrases like "enter the workforce" or "join the workforce" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rejoin the workforce" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used as part of a larger clause. It often appears as the action within a sentence, describing someone's return to active employment. Ludwig examples showcase this in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

19%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rejoin the workforce" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of returning to paid employment after a period of absence. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it also appears in academic and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure that the individual has been part of the workforce previously. Alternatives such as "return to work" or "re-enter the workforce" can be used, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Return to work

This is a more general term for going back to a job.

Re-enter the workforce

This emphasizes the act of entering the workforce again.

Go back to work

A simpler, more informal way of saying the same thing.

Return to employment

Similar to "return to work" but slightly more formal.

Resume employment

Implies a continuation of previous employment.

Reactivate career

Implies restarting a career after a break.

Get back into the labor force

Focuses on the broader labor market.

Return to professional life

Focuses on the professional aspect of returning to work.

Seek employment again

Highlights the active search for a job.

Find work again

Emphasizes the act of securing employment.

FAQs

What does "rejoin the workforce" mean?

The phrase "rejoin the workforce" means to return to paid employment after a period of absence, such as after raising children, taking a sabbatical, or recovering from an illness.

What can I say instead of "rejoin the workforce"?

You can use alternatives like "return to work", "re-enter the workforce", or "go back to work" depending on the context.

Is "rejoin the workforce" formal or informal?

"Rejoin the workforce" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for professional and academic contexts. More informal alternatives include "get back to work".

How can I use "rejoin the workforce" in a sentence?

Example: "After taking a few years off to care for her family, she is actively seeking opportunities to "rejoin the workforce" and pursue her career again."