To address this issue, the AICPA Work Life & Women's Initiatives Executive Committee released a free guidebook to help firms build a successful off-ramp program that keeps individuals connected to the organization. One of the six options given in the guidebook is to offer training.

The AICPA calls training "the single most important way public accounting firms can build an effective off-ramping program." Why so important? Accounting professionals, particularly CPAs, need to maintain licenses and professional credentials. An off-ramped employee who has not received training during her workforce absence will likely have a more difficult time on-ramping -- and this in turn reduces a firm's talent pool.

The guidebook offers the following training options:

• Open general, live training sessions to off-ramped employees to build loyalty and a sense of inclusion.
• Include them in conference calls and updates on a regular basis to keep them connected to the firm's happenings.
• Offer Web-based training and self-study courses, giving them flexibility to participate from any location.
• Provide financial support or discounts for training by a third-party provider so they can continue to network with peers and clients.

To learn more about the guidebook and to download a copy, see AICPA Brochure Offers 'Off-Ramping' Guidance.