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At Plum, we believe in the value of great employees. They're the backbone of any successful organization, and it's important to invest in them. But what happens when those employees leave? The traditional thinking is that they're gone for good, but that's not always the case. Boomerang employees, those who leave an organization only to return at a later date, are becoming more common. In this article, we'll discuss the trend of boomerang employees and why it's important for companies to consider them.
What are Boomerang Employees?
Boomerang employees are those who leave a company and then return at a later date. They may leave for various reasons, such as pursuing new opportunities, but eventually, they return to the company they left. They bring with them the knowledge and experience gained from their time away, making them valuable assets to the company.
Why are Boomerang Employees Important?
Boomerang employees bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience that they gained during their time away. They may have worked for other companies, acquired new skills, and gained a broader perspective on their industry. When they return to their previous employer, they bring this new knowledge with them, making them more valuable employees.
Boomerang employees also have an advantage over new hires. They already know the company culture, its processes, and its people. They don't need to spend as much time learning the ropes, which can save the company time and money.
How to Attract Boomerang Employees
To attract boomerang employees, companies need to create a workplace culture that encourages former workers to return. This can include creating a positive and inclusive work environment, providing competitive salaries and benefits, offering development and growth opportunities, and maintaining relationships with former employees.
Companies can also maintain relationships with former employees by staying in touch with them and inviting them to company events. By keeping in touch, companies can stay on the radar of former employees and keep them interested in returning.
Boomerang Employee Success Stories
Apple
Apple is known for its boomerang employee program. The company encourages former employees to return by offering competitive salaries, benefits, and development opportunities. Many former Apple employees return to the company, bringing with them the knowledge and experience gained from their time away.
Google is another company that has a boomerang employee program. The company actively encourages former employees to return and offers a referral bonus to current employees who refer former employees. By staying in touch with former employees, Google is able to maintain relationships and keep them interested in returning.
LinkedIn has a boomerang program called "Bring In Your Parents." The program encourages employees to bring their parents to work to show them what they do and the company culture. The program has been successful in creating a positive workplace culture and maintaining relationships with former employees.
Conclusion
Boomerang employees are a growing trend in the workplace, and it's important for companies to consider them. By creating a workplace culture that encourages former employees to return, offering competitive salaries and benefits, and maintaining relationships with former employees, companies can attract and retain valuable talent. Boomerang employees bring with them the knowledge and experience gained from their time away, making them valuable assets to any organization. At Plum, we believe in the value of great employees, and we're here to help you create a workplace culture that attracts and retains them.
FAQ
Q. What specific strategies can companies implement to maintain positive relationships with employees after they leave, ensuring they consider returning in the future?
A. Companies can create alumni networks, offer regular updates about organizational progress, and invite former employees to special events. Therefore, fostering a sense of belonging even after departure encourages a potential return.
Q. How do companies assess which former employees are good candidates for boomerang rehiring, and what criteria are considered in this decision-making process?
A. Companies evaluate former employees based on their past performance, the skills they've acquired since leaving, and cultural fit. Therefore, assessing their potential impact upon return is crucial in the decision-making process.
Q. Are there any potential challenges or downsides to hiring boomerang employees that companies need to be aware of, and how can these be mitigated?
A. Challenges may include unresolved past issues or unrealistic expectations. Companies can mitigate these by having clear discussions about changes and expectations before rehiring. Therefore, transparency is key to a successful boomerang hiring process.
