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Returning from parental leave is a major life transition that deserves a lot more than just a “welcome back” email. At Booking.com, we know that finding your rhythm again takes time, which is why the Returners Program for Parents and Caregivers is a permanent part of how we work. Supporting our people through these big milestones is simply part of our culture; we’re here to make sure that whenever you return, you feel seen, supported, and ready to find your feet at your own pace.

Transitioning back to work after a leave of absence can feel overwhelming for parents and caregivers alike. The program offers a dedicated space for employees navigating that shift. We created it to make that transition feel more supported and less isolating, focusing on both professional confidence and personal wellbeing.

Through 1:1 coaching, community circles with other parents and caregivers, and curated resources our people can explore in their own time, the program offers a structured way to reconnect. We also provide tools for managers to ensure returners feel understood by their teams from day one. With an 83% participant satisfaction rate, the feedback shows that this approach is making a real difference. At its heart, it’s about providing the connection and the room parents and caregivers need to grow and reintegrate during this new chapter of life.

For Ksenija, a Senior Events Specialist, returning to work after having her first baby meant balancing a fast-paced role with a brand-new reality. Initially, she felt the pressure to “catch up overnight.” However, the program helped her normalise the transition and find her rhythm. “I’m someone who likes to do things quickly,” she shares, “but the program taught me to slow down and take my own time. It was so nice to be surrounded by other parents in the same situation – it made me feel like I wasn’t alone.”

The 1:1 coaching proved to be her “secret sauce,” giving her a private space to work through challenges and embrace that her new skills at home actually made her better at her job. “I realised that coming back as a parent is actually beneficial to my role because I’ve learned how to manage my time and energy much more efficiently,” she explains. For Ksenija, this support is a powerful signal of a truly inclusive culture. “It acknowledges the fact that life happens. When the company prioritises long-term talent over short-term gaps, it creates a ripple effect of loyalty.”

For the many non-birthing parents who joined the program, the experience is often about finding a balance between a renewed motivation for their career and their new life at home.

For Malek, a Senior Software Engineer, the 1:1 coaching was crucial in helping him refocus on his goals at Booking.com. “I was adjusting to my new routine and not sleeping at all. Through practical and small steps, the coaching helped me stay motivated and more focused.” he explains. 

For others, it’s the sense of community that builds a new found confidence. Ashwanth, a Senior Engineering Manager, found that one of the most valuable aspects of the program were the community circles, because it made him feel that he wasn’t going through this alone. “Being part of a group of parents at a similar stage created a strong sense of community, and made the transition back to work feel more manageable and supported,” he says.

Ultimately, the program is a reminder that life happens for everyone, and those life stages deserve to be celebrated. Stas, a Senior Account Manager, cherished the opportunity of his paternity leave. “I feel incredibly blessed to work for a company that truly invests in its people and recognises our needs behind the scenes.” He says, “Returning from leave, I felt a renewed sense of motivation for my journey here at Booking.com.” 

At Booking.com, we know that our people are at their best when they feel supported both inside and outside of the office. The Returners Program for Parents and Caregivers is more than just a series of coaching sessions; it’s a reflection of our commitment to building a workplace that evolves with our employees as their lives change. By investing in these moments that matter, we’re not just helping parents and caregivers find their footing – we’re ensuring that Booking.com remains a place where everyone has the space, the support, and the confidence to grow for the long term. Because here, everyone means everyone.