What Are Boomerang Employees?
Should you consider rehiring a former employee? Is it a good idea? Boomerang employees are individuals who choose to rejoin an organization after leaving it for a period of time. The phenomenon has gained significant attention in recent years as companies recognize the value of welcoming back former employees into their workforce. These individuals bring with them a unique blend of institutional knowledge, external views, and renewed interest that can contribute to organizational growth and success.
The rise of boomerang employees can be linked to several factors. Companies are realizing the benefits of utilizing existing relationships and likewise, individuals are finding value in returning to a familiar environment where they have already established networks and a level of comfort. To successfully harness the potential of boomerang employees, companies are implementing strategies to facilitate their seamless transition back into the workforce.
Boomerang employees comprise a fraction of the employees, making up 4.5 percent of all new recruits. However, this does not mean that the phenomenon should be overlooked. Nowadays, boomerang employees are on their way to becoming increasingly popular. An appealing leadership position, a change in the market, or potential growth can make employees want to return to their former company. Every situation is unique. However, it is usually in the best interests of the organization to be open to boomerang employees and considering them may help businesses save time and money.
Benefits of Boomerang Employees:
Boomerang employees offer several benefits, particularly in terms of recruiting methods and the onboarding process. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Faster Onboarding Process:
New employees usually require a long onboarding process. It might take a year for a new employee to reach their full potential, but because boomerang employees already know the nature of the company, they take less time getting to know their new role and can relearn the skills required for their responsibilities. This allows them to quickly integrate and contribute to their role. Their prior experience also gives them with insights into its operations, making them more effective within the company than entirely new employees.
2. Bring in Fresh Perspectives:
Boomerangs can bring fresh perspectives and skills gained from their time away. They might have gained new industry knowledge or utilized their skills in an innovative way that would make them share and apply their ideas and perspectives to the company. This leads to a diverse approach and can lead to the development of innovative ideas and improved problem-solving techniques.
3. Cost-Effective Hiring:
Hiring a boomerang employee can be a cost-effective decision. Compared to new hires, boomerang employees typically require less training, which minimizes onboarding costs. Furthermore, companies can save time and resources on recruitment by re-engaging with former employees who are already familiar with the company’s values and procedures.
3. Better Employer Brand:
Hiring former employees also demonstrates that the company doesn’t harbor ill will toward individuals who choose to leave for better chances. The concept of deciding to return back to a company also demonstrates that boomerangs serve as valuable brand ambassadors. Their experience can allow other employees to regard this as an indication that their company is a desirable place to be. This view has the potential to raise staff morale and promote employee loyalty.
4. Established Relationships and Networks:
Boomerang employees also come back to established relationships and networks within the company. They can tap into these connections to quickly reconnect with colleagues, stakeholders, and clients, facilitating smoother collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Drawbacks of Returning Employees:
While recruiting boomerang employees can seem to be a simple option, there are risks and drawbacks to rehiring former employees.
1. Commitment and Long-term Loyalty: Concerns may arise about their commitment and long-term loyalty to the company. Some might view their return as a temporary plan to gain new skills or fill a temporary gap. Companies should carefully evaluate the motives and intentions of boomerang employees to ensure alignment with their long-term goals.
2. Resistance to Change:
Boomerang employees may tend to depend on old practices and resist new ideas or changes in the company. Their acquaintance with the previous way of doing things could hinder their ability to adapt to evolving processes or embrace innovative approaches. This resistance can slow down progress and hold back the company’s ability to stay competitive.
3. Disruption of Team Dynamics:
Boomerang employees can disrupt the existing dynamic within a team by returning. Team members may have adapted to new ways of working. The boomerang employee may need time to readjust to these changes, and their reentry may cause tension or resistance among team members, which could result in conflict and impact team productivity. Moreover, rehiring a former employee for a better position could upset other colleagues who have stayed in the company.
4. Unrealistic Expectations:
When a company rehires an employee, the boomerang employee might have high expectations in terms of salary and may assume that the company will offer them special treatment due to their prior association. If these expectations are not met, it can result in frustration or disappointment, leading to decreased morale and job satisfaction.
More organizations are becoming open to the idea of bringing back former employees. Boomerang employees can be valuable assets to organizations, bringing fresh perspectives, renewed enthusiasm, and treasured skills. They can benefit the company and improve its employer brand. While it’s a great opportunity for companies, it also poses some challenges. One crucial aspect of restoring boomerang employees is to ensure communication is clear and values are reciprocated. When the case is clarified and addressed, boomerangs can be a valuable asset and develop growth and success within a company.
