Why boomeranging is booming

Your best pals — and everyone on Reddit’s r/relationships — would tell you not to go back to your ex… unless you’re talking about your ex-job. 

Companies are frequently hiring former employees, otherwise known as boomerang hires. Per ADP Research:

• Since 2018, boomerang hires have made up 2% of active employees, but account for 31% of new hires, on average.
• In March, boomerangs made up 35% of new hires, up 4% YoY.
• Boomerangs made up 68% of information sector hires, up 34% YoY. 

Why?

During the Great Resignation of 2022, many workers left their current jobs for higher-paying offers. Now, quits are down 25%+ from March 2022.

Nela Richardson, a chief analyst for ADP Research, told Business Insider that hiring managers predicted this at the time, seeing employee exits not as “a final goodbye,” but as “a revolving door.”

And it makes sense for both parties: 

• Employers can save time onboarding former employees who already understand the business, company, culture, and expectations.
• Some skillsets are harder to find than others or may be “geographically concentrated,” making it more appealing for employers to rehire than keep searching.
• Jobseekers are dealing with a particularly tumultuous and uncertain job market.
• Americans are less willing to move for a new position, reducing their options. 

Is it weird, though? 

You might think returning to a job you voluntarily left would feel awkward or tense, but that may not be the case.

Mindi Cox, chief marketing and people officer at employee recognition company O.C. Tanner, told Forbes that boomerang employees often return with a renewed commitment that can show other employees “this is a great place to be,” as well as fresh perspectives and new experiences. 

Kathy Diaz, chief people offer at technology solutions firm Cognizant, told Raconteur that the company has welcomed back former 14k+ employees, with another 20k who've expressed interest in returning. 

• During interviews, reasons for wanting to be rehired often include growth opportunities — some employees return for entirely different careers — and wanting to reconnect with former coworkers. 
• Cognizant also has flexible working policies for some departments at a time when many employers are issuing RTO mandates — which employees hate. 

Of course, for employees who may want to boomerang, this does mean you can’t dramatically rage quit.