Diversity & Inclusion

Domain Return to Work Program: Employee Stories

Create a life that works for you at Domain, like these tech experts. The Domain Return to Work program offers experienced technology professionals a smooth and supportive transition back to work after a career break. Working at Domain means you’re not only part of a passionate, fun team working on some of the best tech...Read More »


Create a life that works for you at Domain, like these tech experts.

The Domain Return to Work program offers experienced technology professionals a smooth and supportive transition back to work after a career break.

Working at Domain means you’re not only part of a passionate, fun team working on some of the best tech in the sector, you also have confidence knowing your needs are supported.

Swathi Prabhu – Software Engineer, Homeowners

Swathi is a genuine Return-to-Worker already settled in and succeeding at Domain. She qualified in IT and spent the first decade of her career in India. Migrating to Australia and caring for her son all happened in the same chapter, suddenly finding herself out of her career for 4 years. 

“I had previously found it challenging to get back into my career because of a lack of local experience and connections. Domain didn’t see this career gap as an issue and valued my choices. They saw I had the capacity and passion for the industry.”

“I never knew a team could be so welcoming or cheerful, or supportive.  I can’t put it into words. There was always someone checking in on how I was feeling or asking if I needed anything. It’s the little things that really mean a lot.”

Swathi now balances her commitments with a hybrid arrangement. Domain is really open with start and finish times. Work from home is an option and when you’re together in the office, it’s quality time with the team. “I do love coming into the office. The team likes to have face-to-face discussions and we love to head out together to grab a coffee or a snack.” Domain empowers its people to work in a way that allows them to perform at their best. 

Swathi couldn’t feel more at home with her team at Domain. She loves the energy and sense of adventure her colleagues bring each day. “People love listening to your ideas and any new technology you can bring to the table. We love innovation and knowledge sharing. There’s a lot of respect. My opinions are valued, and there’s a real curious, growth-focused culture here.”

Ultimately, Domain has achieved a culture many organisations struggle to nail. “I feel good knowing that we have such a diverse team. Each person is celebrated and I can be myself at work.”

Learn more about Domain’s Return to Work program here.

Lorin van Riel – Senior Software Engineer, Customer Solutions 

Lorin has tried a mix of working full-time and less over the years as she juggles small children with her career. “Working in tech, I hadn’t seen many women working part-time but it’s something that works very well at Domain. I’ve worked for other tech companies, and I’ve never seen so many women in tech roles.” The HR rep she was working with during the interview process really encouraged her to chat with the hiring leader about her needs. 

She found this to be a very positive experience. Her needs were built into the part-time role Domain created. “My team knows I don’t need to be in every single meeting, but they know it’s important for me to be in kick-offs for a new feature for example. As a team we’re open to people being available at different times of the day. It’s great to have a culture of being considerate.”

Lorin hasn’t looked back since she joined Domain. “You’ll have help getting started and getting onboarded. People will answer your questions and let you ease into it in your own way.” She’s settled in to a meaningful career at the forefront of the tech sector. And she’s always learning and growing, while still spending quality time with her family. 

Learn more Domain’s Return to Work program here.

Alasdair Cumming – Product Design Manager 

After a chapter of career exploration, Alasdair found his passion in the tech sector and really hit the accelerator at Domain. He joined as a Senior Product Designer and soon progressed to Lead, and then Manager. 

He felt right at home from the start. “The team was a welcoming and tight-knit unit, with a great onboarding process to get you up to speed and meet the team quickly. It sounds corny but they are really friendly, down-to-earth people. Everyone is really open.”

Alasdair feels Domain was set up well with its commitment to flexibility, even before Covid hit. It’s a performance-based culture, not one that dictates you’re at your desk 24/7. “There’s this culture where it’s all about doing what you have to do and doing your best. Domain knows life can get crazy and they just want you to do a good job, it doesn’t matter where”. 

He’s been a champion of men prioritising their young families with a stint of primary-carer leave. Domain supports leave for all primary carers, including dads, and gives them a chance to experience that precious time with newborns. “To give an example of how cool my boss and team were, they even gave me a gift voucher for Dinner Ladies (homecooked frozen meals)! It was very much a positive thing. I didn’t feel any guilt. The best part about returning to work was that it was a non-event. It didn’t feel like a big thing.”

Learn more Domain’s Return to Work program here.

 

Negar Ghanbari – Software Development Team Lead 

Negar has been on a huge career journey, earning her IT qualifications in Iran. After moving to Australia, she thrived in her career at Domain and was promoted to various leadership roles. “I found my managers were so supportive and trusted in my skills during the transition. There’s a real culture of women lifting women at Domain.”

Negar has expanded her family while working at Domain. True to Domain’s culture of supporting staff through all chapters of their life, Negar’s role was kept open for her.  When she decided to extend her leave, she was able to negotiate her days before she returned and even came back on a pay rise! 

Negar thrives in the continuous learning environment. “People invest in your learning. Domain recently sent me to a two-day Women in Tech conference in Melbourne which was a fantastic experience.” She loves the energy of Domain, everyone is really switched on, ready to do great things with each other and make their work better through partnering with the team. “It’s a very inclusive culture; your voice will be heard. “

Learn more Domain’s Return to Work program here.

 

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