Key Points
- Boomerang Trend Rising: In March, boomerang employees accounted for 35% of new hires, up from 31% the previous year, as reported by ADP, reflecting a growing trend of workers returning to former employers.**
- Employer Caution: Employers are increasingly hiring boomerang workers due to labor market uncertainty, valuing the efficiency of rehiring familiar employees who require less onboarding.**
- Federal Sector Impact: The trend is significant in the federal sector, with over 460 laid-off employees at the US Department of Health and Human Services being rehired after staff cuts.**
- Industry-Wide Growth: Boomerang hiring is increasing across industries like media, publishing, software development, and technology, driven by factors such as a cooling housing market and remote work options.**
- Strategic Returns: Career experts suggest maintaining good relationships with former employers and showcasing new skills when considering a return, while being cautious of past workplace issues like poor management.**
Summary
Boomerang hiring, the trend of returning to former employers, is gaining momentum, with 35% of new hires in March being returning employees, up from 31% the prior year, according to ADP. This rise reflects employer caution in an uncertain labor market, favoring the efficiency of rehiring familiar workers. The trend extends to the federal sector, where hundreds of laid-off employees, such as at the US Department of Health and Human Services, are being rehired. Across industries like media and technology, boomerang hiring is spurred by factors like a cooling housing market and remote work, reducing workers’ willingness to relocate. Career strategist Nancy Ancowitz advises maintaining positive ties with past employers, leveraging alumni networks, and highlighting new skills when considering a return. However, she cautions against returning to toxic environments, emphasizing the importance of good management for a successful comeback. ADP’s chief economist, Nela Richardson, notes a shift in exit conversations, with employers now encouraging workers to keep in touch, signaling a “see you later” rather than a permanent goodbye. This evolving dynamic suggests that returning to a former workplace can sometimes offer a fresh, improved experience.