Reboard Well Ep 01 - The Ramp Up

In the debut episode of Reboard Well, we sit down with Rachel, Inclusion & Diversity Lead for the Netherlands and Nordics at Accenture Netherlands, to explore how the firm built a structured, proactive parental reboarding program from the ground up.As a working mom of two, Rachel brings both professional expertise and personal experience to the conversation — making this a candid, practical, and genuinely inspiring first episode.What We CoverWhat Accenture the Netherlands' parental reboarding program is, why it was built, and who it's designed forThe 60-day phased ramp-up structure and how it removes performance pressure for returning mothersThe three stages of the program: Pre-Leave, Pre-Return, and Welcome BackThe coalition of stakeholders needed to get a program like this approved — from HR and leadership to the works councilWhy automation is the secret weapon behind a program that actually gets usedThe critical role of People Leads across six priority areas: communication, pre-leave planning, during-leave support, return preparation, continuous support, and flexibilityThe tools available to returning parents including the Working Parents Network and RethinkCare coaching platformWhy ongoing communication — not a one-time launch — is what makes or breaks a program like thisRachel's advice for any company wanting to build something similarKey TakeawaysRemove the KPI pressure first. Days 1–30 back at work come with a 0% chargeability target, giving returning mothers space to settle in without performance pressure.Ramp up gradually. Days 31–60 reintroduce client work at a reduced 60% chargeability target — giving parents time to find their footing before returning to full capacity.Proactive beats reactive. The program is built into automated communications from the moment a maternity leave request is submitted — so no returning parent has to ask for help.People Leads are central. The program only works if the people closest to returning employees are trained, informed, and actively engaged throughout the journey.Sustain it. Ongoing communication, proper reporting, and awareness touchpoints are what keep a program like this alive and used.Build the business case. Data, stakeholder buy-in, and a practical solution are the foundation. Rachel's view: if you have those three things, the pushback is minimal.Resources MentionedRethinkCare — A digital platform offering holistic parenting and behavioral health support through evidence-based tools (rethinkcare.com)Working Parents Network — A community for parents at Accenture Netherlands to share resources, experiences, and support one anotherAbout Our GuestRachel is the Inclusion & Diversity Lead for the Netherlands and Nordics at Accenture Netherlands, where she builds cultures of belonging across the region. She was instrumental in launching Accenture Netherlands' parental reboarding program in 2024 and is a working mom of two.Enjoyed this episode? Share it with an HR leader who needs to hear it. And if your organization is building something similar — or wants to — we'd love to hear from you.🎙️ Reboard Well is a podcast by Foundree, exploring the systemic and structural solutions that help working parents return to work.🔗 Learn more about Accenture the Netherlands: www.accenture.com/nl-en