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Better leadership, work-life balance draw back ‘boomerang’ employees
Recruitment / Demographics
Two in three employees would consider returning to a previous employer if there were improvements in leadership and work-life balance, according to a new report, amid the growing popularity of "boomerang employees" in workplaces.
"Boomerang employees" refer to professionals who return to work for a previous employer, according to a profile recently published by HRD Human Resources Director.
Hiring these employees has been growing over the past few years, with ADP data showing that boomerang employees accounted for 35% of new hires on average in 2025.
Among employees, new research from MyPerfectResume also found that 55% of workers consider returning to a past employer as a "smart career move."
But rehiring them may require employers to demonstrate that the organisation has changed since the employee left.
Some 67% of employees said they would only consider returning to a former employer if leadership had changed.
A similar share also said improved work-life balance would draw them back to a previous employer.
"Workers are open to returning if they see real improvements, especially in leadership and work-life balance," the report read.
"These boomerang employee benefits show that cultural change and career advancement opportunities are stronger incentives than perks like hybrid work."
These considerations come amid lingering hesitations about returning to a former employer, with 65% of employees worried that workplace politics will resurface if they do.
Nearly half of employees (46%) are also concerned that their burnout would come back if they returned, while 14% believe that it would feel like taking a step backward.
"Old dynamics, unresolved workplace politics, and lingering fears of burnout can undermine retention and job satisfaction if employers don't address them directly," the report read.
Bad blood is also among the top factors why hiring boomerang employees can be a bad thing, according to BambooHR.
These boomerang employees would also need more time to "acclimatise," especially if there were changes to management, policies, or company culture.
But BambooHR also highlighted that hiring boomerang employees can mean a less time-consuming and more cost-effective onboarding process for the organisation.
There is also a strong likelihood that the employee can fit into the company culture, and is already familiar with the job, duties, and expectations in the role.
The boomerang employee also brings with them new skills, experiences, connections, viewpoints, and customers, according to BambooHR.
The established employer-employee relationship also adds to company loyalty and increased retention.
Ultimately, MyPerfectResume stressed the need for employers to improve the offboarding process in order to leave a good impression on employees.
"Leaving on good terms gives workers options to return or recommend their past employer. For companies, treating departing employees with respect builds long-term goodwill and strengthens the employer brand," it said.
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