By HR Brew Staff
less than 3 min read
Definition:
A boomerang employee is a worker who returns to a former employer after their previous period of employment ended. There was an uptick in boomerang employees following the Great Resignation, as a result of some workers regretting having job hopped amid the tight labor market.
While the trend has waned since 2023, boomerang employees can help recruiters today because it requires less time and money to recruit and onboard former employees.
How can HR recruit former employees?
Companies with strong alumni networks may find it easier to recruit former employees. Talent teams can improve relationships with ex-employees by gathering feedback in exit interviews from employees who leave in good standing and communicating with them through text, email, and social media when new roles open up after they leave.
Can you put boomerang employees into context?
“There’s no downside to putting even more effort and investment into hiring boomerangs. They know our culture, they know the value,” Greg Till, Providence’s chief people officer, told HR Brew.
