People Are Going Back To Their Old Employers (2 Weeks' Notices Are Back?)

Key Concepts

• Boomerang Hiring: The practice of rehiring former employees.
• Great Resignation: A period of increased employee turnover.
• Risk Aversion in Hiring: Employers' tendency to avoid potential hiring mistakes.
• Career Strategy: Making deliberate decisions to advance one's career.
• Data-Driven Career Decisions: Making career choices based on concrete information and analysis.

Boomerang Hiring: A Rising Trend

The video discusses the increasing trend of "boomerang hiring," where companies are rehiring former employees. This is based on an ADP research report analyzed by Nella Richardson, which examines employment trends and status changes within companies using ADP's payroll services.

• Data: Boomerang hires constitute approximately 2% of all active employees since 2018 but represent a significant 31% of new hires on average. In March of the past year, this figure rose to 35%, indicating a growing trend.
• ADP Research: ADP, a major payroll and employment services provider, tracks employment trends by analyzing data from companies using its software.
• Industry Variations: The information sector shows a dramatic increase in boomerang hiring, jumping from 34% last year to 68% in 2025. Other industries, including education and manufacturing, also show increases. Natural resources and mining is the only sector showing a slight decrease.
• Context: The trend contrasts with the "Great Resignation," where many employees voluntarily left their jobs. Now, quits are dropping, and boomerang hiring is on the rise.

Reasons for Boomerang Hiring

The video explores the reasons why employers are increasingly considering former employees as viable candidates.

• Familiarity and Reduced Risk: Employers are risk-averse and prefer candidates with a known work history and established relationships within the company.
• Cost Savings: Rehiring former employees reduces training costs and onboarding time, as they are already familiar with the company culture and processes.
• Valuable Skill Sets: Employers may realize the value of a former employee's skills after they have left.
• Plug-and-Play: Boomerang hires can often quickly return to their previous level of productivity.

Employee Perspective on Returning

The video also examines why employees might consider returning to a former employer.

• Realization of a Mistake: Employees may realize that their previous job wasn't as bad as they thought, especially if a new opportunity doesn't meet expectations.
• Familiarity and Ease of Transition: Returning to a familiar environment can lead to quicker productivity and potential for bonuses.
• Knowing the People: Understanding the work styles and expectations of colleagues and superiors can be advantageous.

Strategic Career Considerations

The video emphasizes the importance of making strategic career decisions, including when considering leaving or returning to a job.

• Data-Driven Decisions: Leaving a job should be based on clear reasons and a thorough understanding of what the new opportunity offers.
• Avoiding Lateral Moves: Leaving solely for a slightly higher salary without significant career advancement is generally not recommended.
• Assessing Toxicity: If the previous work environment was genuinely toxic, returning may not be the best option.
• Maintaining Relationships: Unless the situation was extremely negative, maintaining professional relationships is crucial for future opportunities.
• Ego vs. Strategy: Avoid burning bridges for short-term ego gratification, as it can harm long-term career prospects.
• Clear Path: Have a clear and definable path ahead if returning to a previous employer.

Notable Quotes

• "The grass isn't always greener, and a lot of people have learned that the hard way."
• "...employers are increasingly looking at previous workers as a viable option for their recruiting pool."
• "Hiring managers are really risk adverse in general..."
• "I'm a proponent of doing what's best for me in my career..."

Technical Terms

• Boomerang Hiring: Rehiring former employees.
• Great Resignation: A period of increased employee turnover.
• Headcount: The number of employees a company is authorized to have.
• Onboarding: The process of integrating a new employee into an organization.
• Lateral Move: A job change to a similar position with similar responsibilities.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The video highlights the growing trend of boomerang hiring, driven by employers' desire for familiar, lower-risk candidates and employees' potential realization that their previous jobs weren't so bad after all. It emphasizes the importance of strategic career decision-making, including maintaining professional relationships and avoiding impulsive actions that could harm long-term career prospects. The key takeaway is to approach career moves with data, strategy, and a focus on long-term benefits rather than short-term gratification.