A stellar employee leaves your company for another job. Perhaps they were lured by a recruiter offering an enticing salary and impressive perks, or maybe they just wanted to try something new. But months — or even years — later, they’re knocking on your door again. Turns out the grass wasn’t greener on the other side. Do you rehire them?
Should You Rehire an Employee Who Left Your Company?
Research on the so-called “boomerang” employee.
February 02, 2021
Summary.
These days, it’s common for people to work for many employers over the course of their careers. When an employee who previously left your company tries to come back, how do you determine whether or not you should rehire them? Research shows rehiring these “boomerang” employees can come with some benefits. For example, the cost to train them tends to be lower, and their immediate job performance tends to be better than new hires or internal promotions. But if your organization prioritizes long-term job performance or reducing turnover, you may be better off hiring externally or promoting from within. Before you make any decisions, understand your company’s objectives and priorities.
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HBR Learning
Attracting and Cultivating Talent Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Attracting and Cultivating Talent. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Discover how to attract, hire, develop, and keep talented people who will grow and thrive throughout their employee journey.