Boomerang workers: respectfully return to former employer
Career paths are diverse. Sometimes they lead back to where one had once left. To become happy in the job again, employees must then re-engage with their former employer.
I know, I know: Those who return to a former employer should actively try to break free from old habits and thought patterns. Marlene Pöhlmann, Regional Managing Director at the personnel recruitment agency Robert Half, explains what employees as "boomerang employees" should pay attention to in order to successfully re-enter the company.
Show respect for the new old company
One knows many faces and the processes anyway: The thought of immediately jumping back in and being proactive is tempting. "However, those who want to be successful at the new old employer should take the time to rediscover the company for themselves," says Pöhlmann.
Between leaving and returning, many processes have likely changed or evolved. Returnees must also expect changes in personnel or the company's strategic direction. The rule here is: "Listen, learn, and grow into the new role at the old employer."
Place new experiences with restraint
After one or more professional interim stations, employees have usually gained a lot of experience. Those who return to former companies and meet former colleagues should not overwhelm, intimidate, or even alienate the workforce, advises Pöhlmann. "If you throw around company names and job areas, you risk that the old team might be less motivated to work with you." The team might wonder why someone has returned. Better: Use the experiences to improve the old new employer.
Acceptance for new constellations
Those who have been employed at another company for several years should expect that the team constellations at the former employer have changed. "The trainee you hired might have become the department head in the meantime and is now your equal or even stands above you in the reporting line," says Pöhlmann. She advises: "Accept it." The new manager has not only shown endurance but also built up experience and expertise, which the company acknowledges with the appropriate career advancement.
Employers may appreciate the returning employee's new perspectives, but it's crucial to approach the situation with humility. As Pohlmann suggests, "It's not about throwing around company names or job areas, but rather using the experiences to enhance the old new employer." Employers, having likely changed and evolved during the employee's absence, expect adaptability and a willingness to grow into the new role, as Pohlmann emphasizes: "Listen, learn, and grow into the new role at the old employer."
