How to Rehire a Boomerang Employee

No – a boomerang employee isn’t a carpenter from Australia who is in great demand. So what is a boomerang employee, and why would you want to hire one?

Let’s start with the basics.

What is a Boomerang employee?

A boomerang employee is someone who leaves a company and then returns to work for the same company at a later date. This can happen for various reasons, such as seeking new experiences, pursuing further education, or exploring other career opportunities before deciding to return to their former employer. Boomerang employees are often valued for their previous familiarity with the company's culture, processes, and expectations, along with the new skills and perspectives they bring back with them.

What are the benefits of rehiring a boomerang employee?

• Rehired employees already understand the company's culture, values, and expectations. This familiarity allows them to reintegrate quickly and start contributing effectively with minimal adjustment period.
• Since they have previously worked for the company, boomerang employees require less onboarding and training compared to new hires. This can lead to significant cost and time savings for the organisation.
• Boomerang employees often return with a greater sense of loyalty and commitment to the company. Their decision to come back indicates a positive experience in their previous employee tenure and a strong belief in the company’s mission and values.
• Having worked elsewhere, boomerang employees can bring new skills, knowledge, and perspectives acquired from other organisations. This can enhance the company’s capabilities and grow innovation within.

Any challenges for re-hiring boomerang employees?

Re-hiring boomerang employees can be a strategic move for companies looking to gain experienced talent while minimising recruitment and training costs. But there also potential challenges when hiring previous employees. Here are some examples:

Addressing reasons for departure: It's important to understand why the employee left initially and ensure those issues have been resolved or are no longer relevant. This can prevent potential recurrence of the same issues.

Negotiating terms: Compensation, benefits, and job roles may need to be renegotiated. Both parties should be clear on expectations to avoid misunderstandings.

Integration with current team: Depending on the circumstances of their departure, there may be mixed feelings among current employees. It’s important to manage any potential friction and ensure a positive reintegration.

Updating skills and knowledge: The company may have evolved or implemented new systems, processes, or technologies since the employee left. Ensuring they are up-to-date with current practices is essential.

So what are the best practices for Re-hiring boomerang employees?

Put these strategies in place during the onboarding process, and all should be plain sailing:

1. Conduct an exit interview.  If possible, gather feedback from their initial exit interview to understand their reasons for leaving and see if those issues have been addressed.
2. Evaluate changes since departure. Assess how the company and the role have changed since the employee left. Ensure they are aware of and are comfortable with these changes.
3. Clear communication. Have open discussions about why the employee wants to return and what both parties expect from the renewed employment relationship.
4. Integration plan. Develop a plan for their reintegration, including any necessary training or updates on company changes, to ensure a smooth transition.
5. Feedback from current team.  Gauge the sentiment of current team members regarding the re-hire to manage any potential concerns or dynamics.

While re-hiring a boomerang employee can be easier and more efficient due to their familiarity with the company and proven track record, it is crucial to address any past issues and ensure that both parties agree on future expectations. With careful planning and clear communication, the process can be highly beneficial for both the employee and the employer. And this also will help to successfully retain boomerang employees.