What to Consider Before Hiring an Ex-Employee

Hawaii’s difficult labor market continues to plague employers and business owners must adjust their strategies for filling open positions – even if that means using non-traditional methods.

One unique trend that is growing in popularity is hiring former employees who have left a company voluntarily and now want to come back. The taboo surrounding these “boomerang employees” has all but disappeared. Instead, an increasing number of HR professionals view hiring ex-staffers as an advantageous strategy for filling open positions.

There are many reasons why bringing back a former employee is a strategic move for Hawaii businesses, but three in particular really stand out:

1. You already have an established employee-employer relationship with the individual and know that he/she will be a good cultural fit.
2. You know what type of worker you’re getting and understand what to expect in terms of strengths and weaknesses.
3. The employee is familiar with your company mission, goals, and processes and will require less training and be able to hit the ground running.

Of course, there are reasons to be wary of rehiring a former employee. If the employee left out of dissatisfaction, the risk exists that he/she will leave again for the same reasons. It’s also important to consider if the rehiring will have a negative impact on the current team.

Checklist: Before You Hire a Former Employee

It’s important to consider boomerang employees on a case-by-case basis. As you evaluate the worker, use this checklist of questions to determine whether it’s the right decision for your business.

• Why did the employee leave in the first place and what has changed since then?
• Did the employee have any performance issues in the past?
• What has the employee been doing since he/she left?
• Has the employee gained any new skills, experience, or connections that your company will benefit from?
• What will this individual bring to the job?
• What changes have been made to your company since the person last worked there? Are you prepared to communicate those changes effectively?
• Did the employee get along and work well with the team in the past?
• How will the employee fit in with his/her former coworker and new team members?

While you might be apprehensive to hire an ex-employee, if you approach the hiring process with an open mind and careful consideration, this strategy could give your company a leg up in the competition when it comes to winning Hawaii’s ongoing talent war.