Understanding Bounce-Back Employees (Boomerang Employees)
Boomerang employees, also known as bounce-back employees, refer to those professionals who leave a company but later return with the potential to improve their working conditions, according to a study by Visier.
Relevance of Boomerang Employees
The concept of boomerang employees highlights the significance of maintaining open doors in the professional world, even after deciding to resign. A study by Harvard Business Review found that 20% of employees who resigned during the pandemic returned to their previous jobs. Moreover, 28% of new external hires were boomerang employees who had left 36 months prior.
OCC’s Recommendations for Employers
According to OCC (Organizational Culture Consultants), employers should consider certain factors to prevent employees from leaving again. Here are some key recommendations:
- Hiring Reasons: Employers should prioritize hiring those who left for better job opportunities, health reasons, or personal matters. However, if an employee had conflicts with colleagues, a thorough analysis is necessary.
- Contact Evaluation: Conduct surveys or assessments with those the employee previously worked closely with to evaluate their working relationships and performance.
- Update on Company Changes: Ensure that returning employees are informed about new company policies, teams, structures, and objectives, as they might have experienced changes since their departure.
- Employee Evaluation: Allow the employee to evaluate these conditions and decide if returning is beneficial for them.
Identifying a Good Fit for Rehiring
OCC emphasizes that when an employee leaves on good terms, it demonstrates their interest and motivation to return. They may bring fresh ideas and contribute valuable skills to the organization, making them a worthwhile rehiring option.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are boomerang employees? Boomerang employees, or bounce-back employees, are professionals who leave a company but later return with the potential to improve their working conditions.
- Why should employers consider rehiring boomerang employees? Rehiring boomerang employees can be beneficial as they are already familiar with the company culture, may have new ideas, and can contribute valuable skills.
- What factors should employers consider before rehiring? Employers should evaluate the reasons for leaving, conduct contact evaluations, update employees on company changes, and allow them to assess the situation before making a decision.
By understanding and implementing these recommendations, employers can effectively manage the return of boomerang employees and create a more stable and productive workforce.
