British boomerang workers on the rise

Re-hiring former employees back into the organisation is becoming increasingly popular according to new research.

In the research from Robert Half UK, 84% of HR executives are more accepting of boomerang employees than they were three years ago while over a third (36%) of HR directors have already successfully rehired an employee who had previously left the organisation.

In fact, only 7% of HR directors are opposed to rehiring former employees. The research suggests the increasing fluidity of the current job market in the UK. However, almost half (49%) of HR executives working for large companies in the UK have successfully rehired former employees. It appears HR directors in larger companies are more open than their smaller counterparts to the idea of rehiring former workers, with a mere 4% saying they wouldn’t consider hiring a boomerang employee compared to 12% of those in small enterprises.

Phil Sheridan, senior managing director of Robert Half UK, said: “Rehiring former employees back into the organisation can help to offset the current challenges companies face in the war for talent. This growing acceptance of boomerang employees emphasises the increasing fluidity of the job market. Many firms see value and potential cost savings in allowing employees to expand their experience and skills set outside their organisation, leaving the door open for them to return at a later date.

“In smaller enterprises especially, there sometimes isn’t the opportunity or scope for employees to expand their skills set. In these instances, employers may benefit from allowing employees to leave and gain the experience they need for their career, with the added value of additional training, while keeping the door open for ‘alumni’ employees should a suitable role become available.”

The research also highlighted the factors that are most influential in seeing an employee rehired. 60% said that a successful track record was understandably the most important factor in these decisions, followed by 40% saying their fit into the corporate culture.

Ongoing skills shortages are encouraging HR directors to look at engaging with former hires, particularly if they have expanded their experience at a new employer and can return to a company at a higher level. More than a third (36%) highlighted the benefits of reduced on-boarding costs as a factor influencing their decision to employ a boomerang employee.

 

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