After some time apart, former employees frequently return to their previous workplaces. Boomerang employees are gradually becoming a “thing” in the aftermath of the pandemic, whether due to a realization that the grass is not greener on the other side, a new offer from their former employers, or a return after a much-needed break.
Why do employees opt to return to their former employers? And what are the possible benefits of hiring a returning employee?
What Are Return-To-Work Employees?
In addition to wreaking damage on a global scale, the Covid-19 epidemic ushered in new social and occupational changes, including the Great Resignation. A record number of workers resigned in 2021 as people reevaluated their job objectives and options in light of the epidemic.
The flexibility of hybrid and remote work has extended the spectrum of employment opportunities; we are no longer limited by places or time zones in our employment decisions. However, after the first impact of the Great Recession, the employment market is already experiencing a surge of former employees returning to their former jobs – boomerang employees. Why so?
• The New Workplace Is Unsuitable.
The expanding global demand for workers is a significant concern for companies, but it provides employees with more options. There are instances in which employees decide to switch organizations to see what else is available — not necessarily because they dislike their current workplace but out of curiosity.
However, the grass is not always greener on the other side, and it is not uncommon to realize that the previous employer WAS an excellent fit. Therefore, if the door remains open, employees opt to return “home” — this is known as the boomerang effect.
• The Old Place of Employment Now Provides a Better Package.
One of the reasons employees resigned in 2021 was a need for scheduling and work environment flexibility. If a company did not provide it, employees would leave.
Now that it is evident that pandemic-induced workplace trends, such as hybrid and remote work, are the new standard, many organizations have altered their employee compensation plans and employment circumstances to accommodate the components their former employees sought.
Therefore, providing the necessary flexibility and other perks entice former employees of a cherished but unsupportive workplace to return as boomerang employees.
• New Development Opportunities in A Familiar Setting.
Regardless of how well a firm compensates its employees and advantages, its people may look elsewhere for advancement if it does not give growth possibilities.
The Benefits of Recruiting Former Employees
While reconciling with an ex-partner is rarely an intelligent decision, the situation is somewhat different with boomerang employees. Here are several reasons why firms may consider hiring former employees again.
Returning Employees Can Save You Money.
Hiring a new employee is exhilarating and fresh air for your company’s culture. However, training a new employee can be time-consuming, and there is always the possibility that it will not work out for various reasons.
An employee who has previously worked for your organization provides “insurance.” Even if they apply for an entirely new position, you are already familiar with employee performance and know what to expect.
Boomerang employees will likely require less time to onboard, become proficient in their new function, and be simpler to connect with, saving you time and money.
Boomerang Personnel Is the Ideal Combination of Familiarity and Reinvigoration.
An ex-employee knocking on your door after time spent in another area or organization is a terrific opportunity to re-employ someone you know and trust, as well as someone with new skills that your company can use.
Employers frequently view the departure of a devoted employee as a tragic event. However, instead of emphasizing the unfortunate aspect, you should stress that you are willing to rehire the individual if they are interested in returning.
Suppose you cling to employees who wish to pursue opportunities elsewhere. In such a circumstance, you impede their growth and eliminate any possibility that they may return to you with new information and benefit your firm.
Therefore, if a former employee knocks on your door after a period spent in different fields or organizations, it could be a fantastic opportunity for your firm to expand.
Employment Reversal Can Attract Fresh Talent.
A repeat client is one of the most delicate indicators of a brand’s quality. Moreover, if customers return after testing items or services from a different firm, that’s even better since it implies that their first product selection was not beaten.
The same may be said about boomerang employees, who act as a quality indicator for incoming job candidates.
If they have alternative employment opportunities, employees typically do not return to a detestable workplace, correct? Therefore, the fact that a former employee has returned to an organization suggests that it is an excellent workplace.
When it is challenging to recruit fresh talent, being a company where former employees return is a significant benefit that, if handled well, can only increase your value as a potential employer.