Boomerang Employees: The next big Hiring trend

One trend is emerging as a powerful force: the rise of boomerang employees. These are individuals who, after leaving a company for various reasons, eventually return to work for the same organization at a later stage in their career. It's a phenomenon that is gaining traction across industries, and for good reason.

At first glance, the idea of rehiring former employees might seem counterintuitive. After all, why would a company want to bring back someone who chose to leave in the first place? However, the reality is that boomerang employees can bring a wealth of benefits to an organization.

First and foremost, boomerang employees already have a proven track record within the company. They are familiar with the culture, processes, and expectations, which means they can hit the ground running with minimal onboarding time. This can be particularly valuable in fast-paced environments where time is of the essence.

Moreover, boomerang employees often return with a fresh perspective and new skills acquired from their experiences elsewhere. They may have gained valuable insights from working at other companies, which they can now bring back and apply to their former employer. This cross-pollination of ideas can spark innovation and drive growth within the organization.

From a recruitment standpoint, hiring boomerang employees can also be cost-effective. Since they are already familiar with the company, there is less risk involved in terms of cultural fit and performance. Additionally, the rehiring process tends to be faster and smoother compared to bringing in new hires from outside the organization.

Hired polled more than 250 tech companies and more than 1000 IT employees in late 2023. In 2024, more than half of them want to raise their headcount expenditure.

Just 15% of IT workers who are now jobless said they “would definitely accept” a job offer from a company that had laid them off, despite the fact that 68% of employers in the industry say they would feel comfortable rehiring staff who had been let off. For those who are probably seeking for job, that is a fairly low amount.

According to data, 36 percent of jobless IT professionals who had been let off would turn down a job offer from the organization that had let them go. In the meanwhile, 44% declared they would agree. (The others aren’t sure yet).

People who work now are less understanding. According to the poll, just 27% of employed IT professionals who were laid off indicated they would accept a job offer from their previous employer, while 46% said they would refuse.However, fostering a culture that encourages boomerang employees requires a proactive approach from employers. It's essential to maintain positive relationships with former employees, even after they've moved on to other opportunities. This can include staying in touch through networking events, alumni programs, or social media platforms.

In the end, boomerang employees are not just a passing fad but a strategic hiring trend with tangible benefits for organizations. By embracing the concept of welcoming back former employees, companies can tap into a valuable talent pool, drive innovation, and ultimately gain a competitive edge in today's dynamic business landscape.

To delve deeper into this fascinating topic, check out the insightful article