Welcome back Boomerangers!
- Some employees are reconsidering their decision to leave a company
- Up to one-third of new hires are old hires
- Boomerangers offer advantages to employers on the hunt for talent
- When you leave a company, don’t burn your bridges
- Boomerangers will be a big trend in 2023
It seems that some employees who quit their jobs are having second thoughts. Employers who are still feeling the talent crunch are more than happy to take them back.
Boomerang employee rehire rates vary by company, but it’s not uncommon for workers to rejoin a previous employer. Some employers have strict policies for rehires, while others have no problem accepting returning employees.
Of course, not everyone who wants to “boomerang” back will be a good fit. If an exit was particularly difficult or acrimonious then it might simply be a bad idea for everyone involved.
Pros and cons of hiring a boomerang employee
Pros
Reduced expenses for training or certifications – returning workers likely already have the necessary qualifications for employment
Improved employee morale – workers see that you don’t hold grudges when someone leaves
Increased sales – a boomerang employee may bring an existing client base or encourage former customers to return
Reduced risk – returning workers are more likely to stay long-term, and there are also fewer surprises associated with hiring someone you already know
New ideas – rehires can bring fresh ideas to your team thanks to their outside experience, which can help your business grow
Cons
Workplace drama – an employee who left because of problems with a supervisor or a workplace romance gone bad may create issues
Overlooking better candidates – a previous worker isn’t necessarily the best fit for your company, but it’s easy to overlook other applicants when a trained employee asks to come back
Flight risk – returning employees may leave quickly if issues from the past aren’t corrected
Changed personality – a boomerang employee may have new personality traits or expectations that make it hard to mesh with your corporate culture
Source: Indeed