More employers grappling with recruitment issues are turning to former staff to fill vacant roles.
Acording to a LinkedIn survey, boomerang employees accounted for 5% of all new hires in the UK. A record high, up from 3.9% in in 2019.
This trend certainly adds weight to the saying ‘never burn your bridges’. Rehiring so-called boomerang employees, former team members who return days, months or even years after parting ways, has many benefits but may also have its pitfalls.
We've noticed an increasing number of companies turning to former employees. It’s probably quite natural, given the challenges faced by employers following the pandemic and Brexit, that they are turning to those they have previously employed – people who they know have the skills they are looking for.
However, if you’re thinking of bringing a team member back into the fold, make sure you understand the pros and cons of rehiring a boomerang employee.
Jane Watson who leads our prism HR consultancy services sees this rise in the rehire as a positive:
"Rehiring should be viewed as largely positive and can be especially useful when looking for specific skills in specialist sectors."
So goodbyes in business are not always permanent.
The Pros
Recouping investment
You can secure experienced employees with reduced recruitment, training and development costs.
New perspectives
Boomerangs often return with new perspectives and knowledge acquired in other work environments. These could include fresh ideas that may help your business grow.
Increased sales or productivity
A returning employee may come back with a newly acquired client base or their return may encourage some of your former customers to return.
Reduced risk
Returning employees are more likely to stay long-term. They’ve found out that the grass is not always greener on the other side and are more committed.
A morale boost
Other members of your team see that your company is open and fluid rather than one that holds grudges. It says a lot about a workplace that someone wants to return.
The Cons
Colleague disharmony
Boomerang employees may create resentment among the team who remained, especially if the person returns to a more senior, better-paid, post.
Overlooking new opportunities
A previous employee may not always be the best fit for your company. What the company requires at one point in time may be completely different from what’s needed to shape its future. However, it’s easy to overlook other applicants when a trained-up former employee comes knocking at your door.
Changed personality
Perhaps your boomerang has acquired new traits or expectations in their most recent role that make it hard to mesh with your company culture.
Flighty by nature
They left once so will they go again? Are the issues from their previous tenure still a problem? If so, heir return may be short-lived leaving your company in the lurch once again.
Jane Watson, Head of Prism HR Consultancy, Employment
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