“Boomerang employees” – those who leave a company, then return – are becoming common. I regularly hear from C-Suite Executive Coaching clients that they are rehiring former leaders/employees, & studies show almost 1/3 of recent company hires are returning employees.
There are many benefits for boomerang employees & their employers – & many challenges, too! ⚖️ How can you make these boomerang re-integrations smooth? Here are a few actionable tips to ensure your “boomerang experience” is positive:
**DO’S**
— Why the Return?
Employee: Be honest with yourself about why you want to come back. Make sure this job fits with your career goals and values. 🤔
Employer: Understand why the employee is returning. Make sure their role suits both their professional goals & what the company needs now. 🏢
— Why the Departure?
Employee: Reflect on why you left. Find out how previous concerns have been addressed.🔑
Employer: Have an open conversation about why the employee left & be proactive about what’s been done to fix those challenges. 🛠️
—Keep Old Friends & Make New Ones
Employee: Reconnect with former colleagues but also set a goal to meet new team members. It’s easy to fall into a rut of working only with people you already know. 👥
Employer: Encourage the returning employee to reconnect with the team. Be proactive about helping them meet new colleagues. 🤝
— Get Crystal Clear
Employee: Ask about changes in company policies, procedures, and culture since your departure. Make sure you thoroughly understand your new role & responsibilities. 🔍
Employer: Clearly explain any changes that have taken place. Make sure the employee understands your expectations for the new job. 📋
**DON’TS**
—Assume Everything is the Same
Employee: Change is inevitable–don’t expect the company to be the same as when you left. Be open to new policies, procedures, team dynamics, and culture. 🌐
Employer: Don’t assume the employee’s return will be seamless without their understanding of new company and team dynamics. 🧩
—Hold on to Past Grievances
Employee: Avoid bringing up old issues unless they’re directly relevant. Focus on the future & how you can contribute positively. 🚀
Employer: Make sure any past issues are addressed, then focus on moving forward. 🔄
—Be Complacent
Employee: Your previous tenure doesn’t guarantee you immediate success. You still need to prove yourself & demonstrate value to the team. 💪
Employer: Don’t expect the returning employee to immediately perform at their previous level. Offer time & support to reacclimate. ⏳
—Rely on “This is How We Did it at ABC Company”
Employee: Avoid constantly referencing your previous workplace. Be open to new approaches & feedback. 🌟
Employer: Encourage the employee to share new ideas without comparing too often to past experiences. 💡
I’d love to hear what you think, too. Please share in the comments your own experience with “boomeranging”!
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