In today’s job market, it’s becoming increasingly common for companies to rehire former employees who left their organizations for one reason or another. These returning employees are often referred to as “boomerang employees,” They can bring unique benefits and challenges to the workplace. This article will explore the pros and cons of hiring boomerang employees and guide whether you should consider returning them to your organization.
What are Boomerang Employees?
Boomerang employees have left an organization and then returned to work for that same organization later. This trend is on the rise, with a recent survey by WorkplaceTrends.com finding that 76% of HR professionals reported that their organizations are more open to rehiring former employees than they were five years ago.
Why do Employees Leave in the First Place?
Before we dive into why you should or should not consider rehiring a boomerang employee, it’s essential to understand why employees leave in the first place. There are various reasons why employees may choose to leave an organization, including:
- A lack of career advancement opportunities
- Poor management or leadership
- Unhealthy workplace culture or toxic colleagues
- A better offer or higher salary at a different organization
- Lack of work-life balance
- Burnout or stress
Understanding why an employee left your organization is crucial when considering whether to return them. If they leave due to toxic workplace culture, poor leadership, or lack of career advancement opportunities, they may not be the best fit for your organization upon their return. However, if they left for personal reasons or a better chance, they may be an excellent candidate to rehire.
The Pros of Rehiring Boomerang Employees
- They Already Know Your Organization
One of the most significant benefits of hiring a boomerang employee is that they already know your organization’s culture, values, and procedures. This can significantly reduce the time and resources required to onboard a new employee. Additionally, they will be familiar with the company’s goals and objectives, allowing them to hit the ground running.
- They Bring New Skills and Experience
Employees who leave an organization and gain experience elsewhere return with new skills and knowledge. This can be incredibly valuable to your organization, as they may bring skills and expertise only present after. Additionally, they may have learned new industry trends and best practices that can be applied to your organization.
- They are More Committed to Your Organization
When an employee chooses to return to an organization they previously left, it demonstrates high commitment and loyalty. They may have gone to explore other opportunities, but they ultimately decided to return, which indicates that they value your organization and believe in its mission and culture.
- They are a Known Quantity
Hiring a new employee is always a risk, as you need to know how well they will perform or how well they will fit in with your organization’s culture. With a boomerang employee, you already know what you’re getting. You have a track record of their work and behavior, which can provide a level of comfort and security when making the hiring decision.
The Cons of Rehiring Boomerang Employees
- They May Not Have Changed
While the employee may have left your organization and gained new skills and experiences, they may not have addressed the reasons why they left in the first place. This may be fine if they go for personal reasons, a better offer, or a lack of work-life balance. However, if they leave due to a toxic workplace culture or poor leadership, they may not be the best fit for your organization upon their return
- Other Employees May Feel Resentment
When a boomerang employee returns to the organization, it can create resentment among other employees working there consistently. They may feel that the returning employee is receiving preferential treatment or opportunities they did not have. It’s essential to communicate with your current employees and explain why they decided to rehire the boomerang employee.
- They May Have Difficulty Adjusting
While boomerang employees may already be familiar with your organization, they may still need help adjusting to any changes since they left. For example, if significant organizational structure or company culture changes exist, the employee may need support to adapt.
- They May Leave Again
Just because a boomerang employee returns to your organization doesn’t mean they will stay for the long term. They may leave again if they receive a better offer or still feel their career growth opportunities are limited. It’s essential to have a plan to address this possibility and ensure that your organization can continue functioning effectively if the employee decides to leave again.
Should You Hire Boomerang Employees?
Based on the pros and cons listed above, it’s clear that hiring boomerang employees can bring unique benefits and challenges to the workplace. However, whether or not you should hire a boomerang employee ultimately depends on the individual circumstances of your organization and the employee in question.
If the employee left on good terms and the reasons for their departure were unrelated to toxic workplace culture or poor leadership, rehiring them may be competent. They already know your organization, bring new skills and experiences, and are a known quantity.
However, if the employee left due to toxic workplace culture or poor leadership, it may be best to avoid rehiring them. It’s essential to address the underlying issues that caused their departure before considering returning them. Additionally, suppose the employee left for personal reasons, such as wanting to explore other opportunities. In that case, discussing their long-term career goals and how they fit into your organization’s plans may be best.
Ultimately, when considering whether to hire a boomerang employee, it’s essential to communicate with your current employees, evaluate the individual’s past performance, and ensure that they align with your organization’s values and goals.
Conclusion
Boomerang employees can bring both benefits and challenges to the workplace. They already know your organization, obtain new skills and experiences, and are more committed to your organization. However, they may not have changed, create resentment among other employees, have difficulty adjusting, and may leave again.
When considering hiring a boomerang employee, evaluating the reasons for their departure is crucial, and whether they align with your organization’s values and goals is vital. Ultimately, whether or not to rehire a former employee should be based on individual circumstances and careful consideration of the potential benefits and challenges.