The “Great Resignation” may have felt like a talent exodus, but it’s created an unexpected opportunity: your best 2026 hires might be the employees who left. Welcome to the era of boomerang employees. With the help of Olinio’s recruitment specialists, your former team members who are ready to return can bring your company valuable experience and renewed perspective.
Why Former Employees Are Coming Back
Many professionals who quit their jobs between 2021 and 2022 are now experiencing “Great Regret.” The reality of their new positions hasn’t lived up to expectations, and they’re reconsidering their decisions. Here’s what’s driving this shift:
Unstable or disappointing new roles
- Higher salaries don’t always translate to job satisfaction
- New companies may lack the stability or culture that they expected
- Promised opportunities often fail to materialise
Return-to-office mandates
- Strict in-office policies are pushing workers who value flexibility to reconsider
- The remote work experience has fundamentally changed employee expectations
- Hybrid or flexible arrangements remain a top priority
Unfulfilled expectations
- Core workplace needs, such as respect, fair compensation, and genuine growth opportunities, remain unmet
- The grass wasn’t greener after all
- Former employers are looking more attractive in hindsight
The Business Case for Rehiring Former Employees
Boomerang employees offer compelling advantages that make them ideal candidates for your open positions. When it comes to employee retention and employee engagement and retention, these returners often outperform brand-new hires.
Reduced Hiring Friction and Costs
The financial argument for rehiring former employees is undeniable:
- Eliminate the risk premium: Traditional hires come with recruitment agency fees (20-25% of annual salary), lengthy onboarding periods, and the uncertainty of cultural fit
- Skip costly recruitment processes: No need for extensive advertising, screening, or lengthy interview cycles
- Zero bad hire risk: You already know their capabilities, work style, and cultural compatibility
Recent data from ADP reveals that boomerang employees now account for nearly 35% of new hires globally in early 2025. In information and tech sectors, that percentage climbs even higher—a clear signal that smart companies are embracing this trend.
Faster Time-to-Productivity
Boomerang employees hit the ground running:
- Immediate productivity: They already know your systems, processes, and team dynamics
- 50% faster ramp-up time: No need to learn company culture, software, or internal protocols from scratch
- Institutional knowledge: They retain an understanding of your business that would take months to rebuild with a new hire
Competitive Intelligence Bonus
Here’s an often-overlooked benefit: former employees bring fresh perspectives from their time away.
- They’ve learned new systems and approaches at other organisations
- They can share industry insights and best practices (without violating confidentiality)
- They return with an updated skill set you didn’t have to pay to develop
Superior Employee Retention
Statistics tell a compelling story: rehired employees demonstrate 44% higher retention rates than first-time hires. Why? Their expectations are grounded in reality. They know both what your company offers and what the alternatives look like. This realistic perspective translates directly into improved employee engagement and retention.
Making Boomerang Hiring Work
To capitalise on this trend:
- Leave the door open: Exit interviews should end positively when possible
- Stay connected: Maintain relationships with high-performing alumni through LinkedIn and occasional check-ins
- Create a formal program: Establish clear policies for rehiring that outline eligibility, salary considerations, and benefits
- Market to alumni: Let former employees know they’re welcome back and that your company values their growth
Partner with Olinio for Strategic Re-Hiring!
Whether you’re looking to reconnect with talented former employees or build a comprehensive recruitment strategy that includes boomerang hiring, the right partner makes all the difference.
Let Olinio manage your recruitment processes. Our expert team understands the nuances of employee retention, the value of rehiring former employees, and how to build programs that enhance employee engagement and retention across your organisation. We’ll help you identify, attract, and successfully reintegrate top talent, either new to your company or returning home.
Contact us today to transform your 2026 hiring strategy and turn yesterday’s departures into tomorrow’s success stories!