Leaving to Return: Why ‘Boomerang’ Transitions Are Shaping Modern Careers—and How Organizations Can Capitalize
Today’s careers are anything but predictable. Professionals now frequently explore new opportunities—and sometimes circle back. In fact, one of the fastest-growing hiring trends is the return of former employees, also known as “boomerang hires.” Once viewed with skepticism, these returns are increasingly welcomed as strategic rehires. Our recent study in Applied Psychology unpacks why professionals boomerang, how the process unfolds over time, and what individuals and managers can do to turn these double moves into win-wins.