The Rehire Effect: Pros & Cons of Bringing Ex-Employees Back

In today’s competitive job market, the concept of rehiring former employees, often termed "boomerang employees", has gained traction. But is it always a wise move? Let's delve into the advantages and potential pitfalls of welcoming back ex-staff members.

The Pros of Rehiring Former Employees

1. Familiarity Breeds Efficiency
   Rehired employees are already acquainted with your company's culture, processes, and systems. This familiarity can lead to a smoother transition and quicker ramp-up time.
   
   

2. Cost Savings
   Recruiting and training new employees can be expensive. Rehiring former staff can reduce these costs, as they often require less training and can start contributing more quickly.
   
   

3. Proven Track Record
   You already have a history with these individuals. Their past performance, work ethic, and compatibility with the team are known quantities, reducing the uncertainty associated with new hires.
   
   

4. Fresh Perspectives
   Time away from the company can provide former employees with new skills, experiences, and insights. They can bring fresh ideas and approaches that can benefit the organization.
   
   

5. Enhanced Loyalty
   Employees who return to a former employer often demonstrate increased loyalty. Having experienced life outside the company, they may have a renewed appreciation for the organization's culture and values.
   
   

The Cons of Rehiring Former Employees

1. Unresolved Issues May Resurface
   If an employee left due to unresolved conflicts or dissatisfaction, those issues might re-emerge upon their return, potentially affecting team dynamics.
   
   

2. Perception of Favoritism
   Other employees might perceive the rehiring of a former staff member as favoritism, leading to potential morale issues within the team.
   
   

3. Resistance to Change
   Employees who have been away might struggle to adapt to new processes, technologies, or organizational changes that occurred during their absence.
   
   

4. Potential for Short-Term Tenure
   Some rehired employees might leave again after a short period, especially if the reasons for their initial departure weren't adequately addressed.
   
   

5. Legal and Ethical Considerations
   Rehiring former employees who left under contentious circumstances can pose legal risks, especially if there were disputes or unresolved issues at the time of their departure.
   
   

Statistics on Rehiring Trends

• Rehire Rates: Studies indicate that between 27% and 29% of all external hires had a resignation event at the same company within the past three years.
  
  

• HR Professional Perspectives: Approximately 85% of HR professionals reported receiving applications from former employees in the past five years, with 40% stating their companies hired about half of those who reapplied.
  
  

• Employee Willingness: Nearly 40% of employees would consider returning to a former employer, highlighting the potential for rehiring opportunities.
  
  

Conclusion

Rehiring former employees can be a strategic move, offering benefits like reduced onboarding time and cost savings. However, it's essential to weigh these advantages against potential challenges such as unresolved issues and team perceptions. By carefully considering the circumstances of the employee's departure and their reasons for returning, organizations can make informed decisions that benefit both the company and the individual.

References

HR Brew, “Boomerang Employees New Hires Data,” May 30, 2025. hr-brew.com
Visier Research Program, “Insights on Boomerang Employees,” 2022. visier.com
Michael Page Africa, “49% of Job Applicants Would Consider Returning to Former Employer,” 2023. michaelpageafrica.com
HR Dive, “94% of Employers Would Rehire Former Workers,” January 22, 2019. hrdive.com
Paychex, “Exploring the Great Regret,” January 16, 2023. paychex.com
Wikipedia, “Employee Turnover,” 2023. en.wikipedia.org

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