The Grass Wasn’t Greener – Welcome Back, We Missed You
Have you ever left a job thinking you were headed for greener pastures, only to realize…your old job was the real gem?
We’ve all been there.
When I worked at Columbia Law School, it wasn’t just a job – it was a community. My colleagues became close friends, and we even vacationed together (yes, on our own dime!) in places like Thailand. Leaving academia for corporate life was a big career move, but I missed the culture. Most of all, I missed the people.
Why Alumni Programs Matter (More Than Ever)
If you’ve ever built – or benefited from – an alumni program, you know it’s more than just a feel-good initiative. It’s a strategic powerhouse. The big three reasons companies invest in alumni relations are:
Business Development – Turning former employees into clients.
Boomerang Rehires – Welcoming back ex-employees who return.
Brand Ambassadors – Alumni who speak highly of their former employer.
Historically, the focus has been on business development. Why? Because it’s easy to show leadership the ROI – actual KPIs that prove alumni become clients. That’s money in the bank.
But this year? The spotlight is shifting.
Boomerangs Are Back—and Breaking Records
According to ADP Research, boomerang employees made up 35% of new hires – the highest percentage since they started tracking in 2018. That’s not just a trend; it’s a tidal wave. See below the charts from ADP.
So…why are people coming back?
Why Alums Return
Let’s be real. Sometimes you leave a job thinking it’s the right move, only to discover:
The new culture isn’t a fit.
You miss your old team.
Your former colleagues keep texting you about a role that’s perfect for your skills.
Why Companies Rehire Boomerangs
Let me be blunt: it’s a no-brainer.
Here’s why companies are rolling out the welcome mat:
Cultural Fit – They already know the ropes. Returning talent hit the ground running, making onboarding faster and more effective.
Fresh Perspective – They bring new skills, insights, and sometimes even clients from their time away.
Cost Savings – Recruiting is expensive. Rehiring someone who already knows the drill? That’s budget-friendly brilliance.
Recruiting teams can measure exactly how much they save on each boomerang hire – and those numbers can be impressive. It’s a win for alumni, talent teams, and the company’s bottom line.
Final Thought
Boomerang hiring isn’t just a trend – it’s a testament to the power of relationships, culture, and keeping the door open. So if you’re an alum thinking about coming back, or a company wondering if they should rehire a regrettable loss…
The grass might actually be greener where you started.