Boomerang Employee
What is a Boomerang Employee?
A boomerang employee is a former employee who leaves an organization, gains experience elsewhere, and later returns to work for the same company. Unlike traditional rehiring, boomerang employees bring new skills, perspectives, and industry knowledge while already being familiar with the company’s culture and processes.
This hiring trend is becoming more common as businesses recognize the value of rehiring top talent rather than starting from scratch.
Why Do Employees Leave and Come Back?
Boomerang employees typically leave a company for various reasons, including:
- Career growth opportunities elsewhere
- A higher salary or better benefits
- A desire to explore a different industry or role
- Personal circumstances (e.g., relocation, family commitments)
However, many professionals realize that “the grass isn’t always greener on the other side” and return to their former employers for reasons such as:
- A strong company culture and positive work environment
- Better career progression opportunities upon their return
- New leadership or structural changes that align better with their goals
- A realization that their previous company offered more stability or fulfillment
The Benefits of Hiring Boomerang Employees
1. Faster Onboarding and Reduced Training Costs
Since boomerang employees already know company policies, culture, and operations, they require minimal training. Research indicates that rehired employees are better able to align with company culture, navigate processes, and onboard more quickly than new hires.
2. Stronger Cultural Fit
Cultural alignment is one of the most critical factors in employee retention. When a former employee returns, they do so with a clear understanding of the company’s work environment, reducing the risk of mismatched expectations.
3. New Skills and Fresh Perspectives
Boomerang employees bring fresh insights from their time outside the company. They often return with improved problem-solving skills, industry best practices, and leadership experience, making them valuable assets.
4. Boost in Employer Brand Reputation
Companies that embrace boomerang employees send a strong message about their positive work culture. Employees returning voluntarily showcase a company as a great place to work, enhancing its employer brand and making it more attractive to top talent.
Potential Downsides of Boomerang Employees
While rehiring former employees has its advantages, there are some potential risks:
1. Lingering Workplace Tensions
If an employee left under difficult circumstances (e.g., conflicts with management or colleagues), bringing them back might reignite old tensions.
2. Expectation Mismatch
Returning employees may expect to receive better roles, higher salaries, or additional perks that the company may not be able to offer, leading to dissatisfaction.
3. Potential Resentment from Existing Employees
Internal employees who remain loyal may feel overlooked if a returning employee gets promoted or receives special treatment.
Real-World Example: Microsoft’s Boomerang Hiring Strategy
Microsoft actively encourages former employees to return through its dedicated “Microsoft Alumni Network,” which helps former employees stay connected. The company values the fresh experiences returning employees bring while leveraging their previous familiarity with the company. In fact, more than 10% of all Microsoft hires in 2019 were boomerang employees.
Best Practices for Managing Boomerang Employees
- Exit Interviews Matter: Maintain a positive relationship when employees leave to keep the door open for potential rehiring.
- Assess Their Growth: Ensure they’ve gained valuable skills and experience before rehiring them.
- Manage Expectations: Clearly define their role, salary, and responsibilities to avoid future misunderstandings.
- Evaluate Cultural Fit Again: Confirm they still align with the company’s evolving culture and values.
Conclusion
Boomerang employees are a rising trend in talent acquisition, offering companies an opportunity to leverage past experience while benefiting from newly acquired skills. While not every former employee is the right fit for rehire, companies with a strong alumni network and a strategic rehiring process can effectively turn past employees into future assets.
Would you consider rejoining a previous employer? Or would you prefer a completely new environment?
