What is a boomerang employee?

Originating from the famed Australian bush weapon that returns to the hand that threw it, a boomerang employee is an employee who left an employer only to return to them later in a new role. A boomerang employee offers major benefits over a traditional outside hire. Rehiring an employee who is familiar with your organization, culture, and practices means that their onboarding will be much faster (if it’s necessary at all), they will be a better culture fit, and most importantly they’ll be a productive member of your organization in no time at all. In addition to the above, there are a number of benefits to the team dependent on the role the returning employee assumes.

As an example, a boomerang manager integrating back into the company will have a much easier time assimilating as well as in running their new team. Employees being managed by a manager who is already experienced in their culture and practices will be happier and more productive than those working under a perceived ‘outsider’.