Boomerang Employees: The Rise of Re-Hires

Hiring always involves a level of uncertainty. As much as recruiters and hiring managers attempt to ascertain whether the candidate is the right fit for the job and for the company, the reality is you don’t always know for certain. However, in todays rapidly changing business environment, some companies are shaking things up and the rise of the re-hire, commonly called "boomerang hire," is becoming increasingly popular in the corporate world.?

What is a Boomerang Employee?

A boomerang employee is an individual who has left an organization and later returns to the company. This can happen for a variety of reasons – the employee may have left for personal reasons, to pursue other opportunities, or due to downsizing, but later finds themselves drawn back to a previous company.

The Trend of Rehiring Previous Employees

While the concept of boomerang employees may not be entirely new, it has become increasingly popular in recent months. Many predicted this shift after the rise of The Great Resignation, a term coined in 2021 to define the record number of employees leaving their current positions throughout 2021 and much of 2022. The Great Resignation’ became one of the most talked-about topics in the workplace and to follow comes this shift in hirings status quo.

A 2022 research from payroll firm UKG reported that nearly 1 in 5 people who quit during the pandemic have already gone back to the job they left. This is due in part to shifting attitudes towards career trajectories and work-life balance -many professionals now see shorter stints at multiple companies as a natural part of their career development. On the business end, advances in technology have made it easier than ever before for hiring managers to keep track of top-performing alumni who could be valuable assets should they ever consider returning. This trend is not only a reflection of the current job market but also shows the importance of creating a positive and supportive work environment that values employee satisfaction and well-being.

At Boston Digital, we are currently experiencing this phenomenon with two high-performing team members re-joining our team within the past year. We are excited about their return not only because they are high-value employees but also because it gives us the opportunity to deep dive into our strengths and weaknesses as a company. Being able to better understand what caused employees to take time away from Boston Digital and also where we prosper- what is driving them to come back.

We spoke to one of our team members to gain insights on why they rejoined the team:? “There was a sense of excitement for me both in the client work and the people that I get to work with at Boston Digital, and I think I’m kind of addicted to it. When I left, I wasn't experiencing the same spark on the client side that I had experienced when working at Boston Digital, and all the excitement that the team and the client work brings. Specifically, what's exciting about client work is that each project is like a new puzzle to solve. Each client brings their own puzzle, and what's awesome about Boston Digital is the toolkit that I have to solve these business objectives with a group of amazing people.”

Why Companies Are Rehiring Former Employees

There are several advantages for companies that choose to rehire former employees. Some of these benefits include:

1. Familiarity with Company Culture and Work Processes: Boomerang employees already have experience with the company's existing culture and work processes. This familiarity allows them to adapt quickly, meaning that they're better suited to hit the ground running upon their return.? Although on onboarding process is still required, they don't need as much time to get up to speed as a new employee, benefitting their new team. Hiring former employees also has the potential to boost company morale, as other employees may see it as a sign of a positive workplace.

We asked one of our re-hires to share their thoughts on this benefit, what it's like rejoining the culture of a previous job, and how that is playing a role in their new position. They told us that, “For me, the benefit is that it's both new and familiar. There are new challenges because there are new clients and a new cast of coworkers, but it's also familiar, welcoming, and exciting. It's like having a new job without having to completely learn a new job. Coming back to Boston Digital is easy, especially when it's an open and supportive company."

2. Reduced Training and Onboarding Costs: Training new employees can be both time-consuming and expensive. By rehiring someone who has previously held a position, companies can minimize these costs, as boomerang employees often require less training than their brand-new counterparts.

3. High-Performing Employees: Employees who choose to return to a previous employer often do so because they truly believe in the company's mission and values. As a result, these individuals are more likely to be motivated, engaged, and dedicated - making them valuable assets that can drive company success.

When speaking with a recent re-hire we asked what their expectations were when rejoining the company compared to what they have experienced in their role thus far. They explain, “ My expectation was to be invigorated professionally and get that spark back of excitement, and almost instantly walking through the doors, that happens. I feel like in some ways, I never left because the spirit of Boston Digital hasn't changed. So, I'm instantly excited and super motivated to start solving all the puzzles that clients bring.”

Overall, the rise of boomerang employees is an intriguing trend with significant implications for the business world. With their unique combination of familiarity with company culture, reduced onboarding costs, and proven performance record, these individuals present an interesting talent pool for organizations seeking to remain competitive in the modern landscape. As employers continue to grapple with talent retention and acquisition in an increasingly fluid job market, boomerang employees may just become a key factor in shaping corporate success.