What is Boomerang Employee
A “boomerang employee” refers to an individual who used to work for a company, left for a while, and then came back to work there again. They are like someone who returns after taking a break or working elsewhere. Companies like to hire boomerang employees because they already know the job and can bring back their experience and knowledge.
Table of content
Pros and Cons
Pros of Boomerang Employees:
- Familiarity: Boomerang employees already know the company’s work environment, culture, and processes, reducing the learning curve.
- Productivity: They often require less training and can quickly become productive, contributing to the team’s efficiency.
- Institutional Knowledge: Boomerangs bring back valuable knowledge about the company’s history, practices, and internal networks.
- Team Dynamics: They may already have established relationships with current employees, fostering positive team dynamics.
Cons of Boomerang Employees:
- Stagnation: There’s a risk that boomerangs may bring back old ideas without exposure to external innovations during their absence.
- Potential Issues: If a boomerang left on negative terms, their return might reintroduce past issues or conflicts.
- Limited Fresh Perspective: They may lack exposure to new industry trends or practices, potentially limiting the infusion of fresh ideas.
- Effect on Morale: Existing employees may feel overlooked if preference is consistently given to rehiring former staff, impacting team morale.
In summary, while boomerang employees offer familiarity and efficiency, organizations need to balance the benefits with potential challenges, such as the need for innovation and the impact on team dynamics.
People often take temporary breaks from work for various reasons.
- Some seek career growth, new skills, or higher pay, exploring different opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Others may be drawn to diverse experiences, trying their hand in various industries or pursuing personal passions outside their current roles.
- Major life events, like a spouse’s relocation or family responsibilities, often prompt individuals to step back from work temporarily.
- Additionally, seasonal commitments, such as working in specific seasons, cater to preferences like those of snowbirds or retirees planning a return the following year.
These breaks contribute to a well-rounded and fulfilling professional journey, allowing individuals to adapt to changing circumstances, pursue diverse interests, and return to work with valuable experiences and perspectives.
Interview questions for Boomerang Employee
Interviewing a boomerang employee involves a unique approach compared to hiring a new team member. It’s crucial for managers to use specific questions, avoiding any unconscious bias that might lead to hiring a boomerang employee as the “easy” choice. Instead, managers should assess how the circumstances and the employee have evolved since their initial employment, focusing on what they currently offer to the team.
What have you been up to since your last time with the company?
- This question explores the candidate’s activities and experiences during their time away, providing insights into their personal and professional development.
How have you grown in terms of skills and experience since you left?
- By asking this, you aim to understand how the candidate has evolved professionally, highlighting any additional skills or experiences gained during their absence.
Are there any concerns or unresolved issues with the company or former colleagues?
- This question addresses potential challenges by seeking transparency about any unresolved issues, ensuring a clear understanding of the candidate’s past experiences.
What motivates your decision to return to the company at this point?
- By asking about their motivation for returning, you gain insights into the candidate’s current aspirations and how the company aligns with their career goals now.
Tailoring these questions helps ensure a comprehensive understanding of the boomerang employee’s journey, growth, and motivations, aiding in making an informed hiring decision.
Conclusion
In summary, boomerang employees—those who come back to work for a company—bring good things. They already know how the company works, and they might have learned new skills while they were away. Rehiring them is like getting a team member who is familiar with everything, and it can make the work smoother. Asking about what they did during their time away and why they want to come back helps in making sure they are a good fit. Overall, hiring back former employees can be a smart move for a company.
FAQs
1. What is the boomerang effect in the workplace?
The boomerang effect in the workplace refers to the phenomenon where former employees return to work for the same company after a period of absence.
2. What is boomerang behavior?
Boomerang behavior describes the pattern of employees leaving a company and then returning later for another stint of employment.
3. Why hire boomerang employees?
Hiring boomerang employees can be beneficial due to their familiarity with the company culture, processes, and the potential to bring back valuable skills and experiences.
4. What is the boomerang hiring strategy?
The boomerang hiring strategy involves actively encouraging and considering the rehiring of former employees, recognizing the benefits they can bring to the organization.
5. How do you interview a boomerang employee?
When interviewing a boomerang employee, it’s essential to focus on their experiences during their absence, inquire about skills gained, assess changes in motivation, and explore how they can contribute effectively to the current team and objectives.