Have you ever left a job in the IT sector and then came back to it after some time? If so, you are not alone. According to a recent survey by Indeed, 38% of IT workers have boomeranged back to a former employer at some point in their career. This trend of returning employees, also known as boomerangs, is on the rise in the IT sector, especially in the post-pandemic era.
But why do IT workers leave and return to their previous jobs? What are the benefits and challenges of boomeranging? And how can employers and employees make the most of this phenomenon? In this blog post, we will explore these questions and more.
Why do IT workers leave and return?
There are many reasons why IT workers may decide to leave their current job and look for new opportunities elsewhere. Some of the common ones are:
- Seeking better pay, benefits, or career advancement
- Looking for more challenging or diverse projects
- Pursuing higher education or personal interests
- Experiencing burnout or dissatisfaction with the work environment
- Facing personal or family issues that require a change of location or schedule
However, leaving a job does not necessarily mean burning bridges with the former employer. In fact, many IT workers maintain good relationships with their previous managers and colleagues, and keep an open mind about returning in the future. Some of the reasons why IT workers may decide to boomerang back to their previous job are:
- Missing the culture, values, or mission of the former employer
- Realizing that the grass is not greener on the other side
- Having new skills or qualifications that make them more valuable or eligible for a different role
- Receiving an attractive offer or invitation from the former employer
- Having a change of personal or professional circumstances that make the former job more appealing or suitable
What are the benefits and challenges of boomeranging?
Boomeranging can have many benefits for both employers and employees in the IT sector. For employers, hiring returning employees can:
- Save time and money on recruitment and training
- Increase retention and loyalty
- Boost productivity and performance
- Enhance diversity and innovation
- Strengthen employer brand and reputation
For employees, returning to a former employer can:
- Provide a sense of familiarity and comfort
- Offer better pay, benefits, or career opportunities
- Allow for more flexibility and work-life balance
- Enable faster integration and adaptation
- Foster stronger relationships and networks
However, boomeranging also comes with some challenges and risks that need to be addressed. For employers, hiring returning employees can:
- Create resentment or jealousy among existing employees
- Cause confusion or conflict over roles and responsibilities
- Reduce motivation or creativity among returning employees
- Lead to unrealistic expectations or assumptions on both sides
- Result in turnover or dissatisfaction if things do not work out
For employees, returning to a former employer can:
- Limit their exposure to new experiences or perspectives
- Make them feel stuck or stagnant in their career
- Create awkwardness or tension with former managers or colleagues
- Require them to adjust to changes or new policies that have occurred since they left
- Backfire if they leave again or regret their decision
How can employers and employees make the most of boomeranging?
Boomeranging can be a win-win situation for both employers and employees in the IT sector, if done right. Here are some tips on how to make the most of this phenomenon:
For employers:
- Keep in touch with former employees and update them on new developments or opportunities
- Conduct exit interviews and surveys to understand why employees leave and what would make them return
- Create an alumni network or community where former employees can stay connected and engaged
- Welcome back returning employees with open arms and celebrate their achievements
- Provide clear expectations and feedback to returning employees and help them transition smoothly
For employees:
- Leave on good terms and express your gratitude and appreciation to your former employer
- Keep your skills and knowledge up-to-date and relevant to your industry
- Maintain contact with your former managers and colleagues and let them know if you are interested in returning
- Do your research and weigh your options before accepting an offer from your former employer
- Be open-minded and adaptable to changes or new challenges that may arise when you return
Conclusion :
Boomeranging is a rising trend in the IT