If you’re settling into your new gig and realizing it’s far from the dream job you envisioned – you’re not alone.
A 2022 research from salary company UKG found that 43% of those who quit their jobs during pandemic now admit that they were actually better at their old jobs.
It also reports that nearly a fifth of those who quit during the pandemic have returned to the jobs they left.
These individuals are sometimes referred to as boomerang staffand they could be the next big trend after the so-called Great Resignation, according to workplace experts who spoke to CNBC Make It.
The Great Resignation, or Great Reformation, saw waves of workers leave their jobs during the pandemic because pay higher or what they see as greener pastures.
We’ve seen an emerging trend in talent recruitment targeting former employees – they’re knowledgeable about the business, the workplace culture, and have lower recruitment costs.
Jennifer Bricks
career coach
“[It] Brad Harris, professor of management and human resources at HEC Paris, said: ”
“For starters, a lot of us were shocked when COVID hit and decided to leave previously acceptable employers for options that we hope will give us a lot of rights. more control, more money or just some different ‘setups’.”
But now that the world is back to pre-Covid normal, “our old gigs might look a little better,” said Harris, who was on the team. conduct research on boomerang staff.
“Coinciding with all of this, our legacy organizations may have changed and adapted since we left in ways that improved their value proposition. Maybe they’re more flexible.” .. maybe they’ve had a chance to tweak their compensation strategy.”
Does your former employer want you back?
Thankfully, employers are tending to receive alumni with open arms, according to experts.
“The Great Reformation clearly played an important role, based on the months record high number of resignations. When an employee resigns, lack of talent Jennifer Brick, a career coach said.
“We’ve seen an emerging trend in recruiting talent to target former employees – they’re knowledgeable about the business, the workplace culture, and have a lower entry cost.”
Of course, there are still some employers who oppose boomerang hiring because… they think it sends a harmful signal to other employees about loyalty.
Brad Harris
Professor, HEC Paris
Harris agrees, saying the hot labor market makes the boomerang talent strategy “more palatable” for organizations that have previously avoided it.
“Of course, there are still some employers who oppose boomerang hiring because… they think it sends a harmful signal to other employees about loyalty,” he added.
But if you were a high achiever in your previous job, you might not have to worry about anything because your former employer may have been spying on you.
Experts say employees using boomerangs could be the next big trend in the wake of the pandemic resigning, as workers who left their jobs during the pandemic regret their decision.
Benevolent Eyes / morsa Images | Digitalvision | beautiful pictures
“What company wouldn’t want to retrain a former star who already knows their business?” said Amy Zimmerman, chief human resources officer at Relay Payments.
“Also, it’s a great way to retain other team members who may be admiring greener pastures so they can see high performance again,” she added.
What’s in it for you?
Experts tell CNBC that the biggest advantage of going back to your old job center is familiarity.
Zimmerman says you’re reverting to “the devil you know,” indicating that you already have prior knowledge of the people and company culture.
Best-case scenario, you get a raise or a change in work arrangements implying that your worth is somehow more accurately realized.
Brad Harris
Professor, HEC Paris
Time away, Harris adds, can help employees “scratch the itch” or “balance their own values,” but it can also cut both ways.
He added: “Best-case scenario, you get a raise or a change in work arrangement which implies that your value is somehow more accurately realized.”
Brick observed that many of her clients who were “bribes” were “right back on their career paths.”
“Some have even received promotional offers when they come back.”
When I think back…
However, not everyone will be happy about that.
“If they get a promotion, or some other special treatment to get them back, it could alienate some of their colleagues and create a rift in their relationship,” says Zimmerman.
Workplace experts also warn that things in your old gig may not be as smooth as you think.
The biggest downside is “making sure that the reason you’re leaving in the first place has been addressed or addressed,” says Zimmerman.
But easier said than done.
Things look better in the short term, but there is a real danger that they will quickly return to the way they were.
Brad Harris
Professor, HEC Paris
“Social psychologists have shown us that we as humans have a remarkable tendency to fall into unhealthy personal relationships, and the same is probably true at work,” Harris said. .
That’s why it’s important to assess “why you left and why you want to come back” – to ensure that your move back to your old job “makes sense,” he stressed. strong.
“We might assume more things have changed, about ourselves and our employers, than they actually do. Things look better in the short term, but there’s a real danger that they’re fast. quickly return to the way it was.”
