When a superstar employee leaves your organization, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be gone forever. You may be able to entice them back by continuing to cultivate your relationship—even after they’ve moved on. One way to do this is by creating an alumni network for your team or organization. A platform like this demonstrates to former employees that they could be welcomed back if they eventually want to return and ensures that your organization remains top-of-mind as they progress through their careers. A second, simpler way to stay connected is to just check in with them from time to time. Get a sense of how things are going in their new role and express to them that they’re missed. This is especially impactful around the one-year anniversary of their departure. Research shows that the one-year mark is when people are most likely to want to boomerang back to their former employer. Reconnecting at this critical moment can be a great way to encourage an employee who may be considering a change to make the leap, especially if they’ve been feeling dissatisfaction or regret about their decision to leave.
This tip is adapted from “The Promise (and Risk) of Boomerang Employee,”by Anthony C. Klotz et al.
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