When a person leaves your employment, it’s usually the final chapter of your working relationship.
Typically, you would be making arrangements to fill the vacancy and wouldn’t expect to see them show up for work again. It would be a bit strange after the card, speeches and send off, after all.
On rare occasions however, you may be faced with a situation that leaves you wondering if you should rehire an ex-employee. Perhaps this has become more commonplace since the pandemic and the Great Resignation.
Don’t ask them to return that parting gift just yet (or at all). There are a few things to consider before you seal the deal.
Think back to the reasons why they left and whether this was on good terms. How long has it been since they left? Has the business changed? Can they fit in with new team dynamics and meet your current requirements? These are all important questions to ask yourself when deciding.
A positive of rehiring an ex-employee can include their familiarity with your business and vision. If they worked well with existing employees, their return may be a morale booster for the wider team.
What about the negatives? If the business has significantly changed, they may find it hard to slot back into things. It would be wise to prepare them if this is the case to avoid them comparing or suggesting that the old way was better.
You may also have concerns over loyalty. They left once before, will they do so again? Talk to them to understand their reasons for wanting to return. Ask about long-term goals to see if these match your business plan. This is equally as important if it is you who has approached them about returning. For example, do you need them for the long or short term? Have their circumstances changed? These factors matter and should be discussed early on.
Rehiring an ex-employee can be a mutually beneficial arrangement. That being said, there may be legalities to consider, if for example the person in question was made redundant or you’re rehiring after COVID-19. As always, your local HR Dept is here to help – get in touch today.
