Rehiring Boomerang Employees: A Strategic Move for UAE Companies

Should you rehire a former employee who voluntarily left your company?

Rehiring former employees, often referred to as "boomerang employees," can be a strategic move for UAE companies. However, it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

The Pros of Rehiring:

• Reduced Onboarding Time: Boomerang employees are already familiar with the company culture, processes, and team dynamics, leading to a faster and smoother onboarding process.
• Proven Track Record: Their past performance provides a solid foundation for evaluating their potential.
• Reduced Training Costs: Less time and resources are needed to train them on company policies, procedures, and tools.
• Stronger Company Culture: Rehiring former employees can boost morale and create a positive work environment.

The Cons of Rehiring:

• Potential for Past Issues: If the employee left due to negative reasons, such as conflicts or performance issues, rehiring them could lead to similar problems.
• Expectations and Salary: The employee may have higher expectations regarding salary and position after gaining experience elsewhere.
• Impact on Current Team Dynamics: Rehiring a former employee could disrupt the current team dynamics, especially if there were conflicts or resentments in the past.

Key Considerations Before Rehiring:

• Reason for Leaving: Understand why the employee left the company in the first place. Was it due to personal reasons, career aspirations, or dissatisfaction with the job?
• Performance History: Evaluate the employee's past performance, strengths, and weaknesses.
• Cultural Fit: Assess whether the employee still aligns with the company's values and culture.
• Impact on Current Team: Consider how rehiring the employee will affect the dynamics of the existing team.
• Compensation and Benefits: Determine a fair compensation package that reflects the employee's current market value and experience.
• Clear Expectations: Set clear expectations and goals for the employee's role and performance.

Conclusion

Rehiring former employees can be a valuable strategy for UAE companies, but it's important to approach it with careful consideration. By evaluating the potential benefits and risks, you can make informed decisions that will contribute to the long-term success of your organization.

About the Author:

Roujin Ghamsari is a seasoned HR practitioner and CIPD fellow recognized as one of the "Most Influential HR Practitioners 2023." She excels in collaborating with C-suite executives to develop and implement effective people strategies that align with organizational goals.