There was a time when being laid off felt like the end of the road: access revoked, laptop returned, and a polite “keep in touch” email marking closure of the office relationship. But that narrative is changing in this new age. Corporate India is increasingly welcoming back former employees, giving rise to the trend of “boomerang employees.”
Recently, Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “If you left Zomato, or had to leave, the door’s wide open. Come back!” According to reports, more than 400 former employees have already returned. In an era marked by layoffs and sudden exits, rehiring past talent is no longer unusual; it is becoming strategic.
What is a Boomerang Employee?
In HR terms, Boomerang Employees are professionals who leave an organisation, gain experience elsewhere, and later return with added skills and perspective. The old belief that once an employee leaves, they are gone for good is fading.
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Companies now see multiple advantages in rehiring former staff:
They are already familiar with the company culture, reducing onboarding friction.
They can contribute quickly, often ramping up in weeks instead of months.
They bring fresh insights and skills from competitors.
They are considered lower risk, having been previously vetted.
The return on investment is often higher compared to new hires.
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Before 2010, boomerang hires were rare. The COVID-19 pandemic changed that. Mass layoffs and hiring freezes disrupted traditional employment patterns. Many professionals who left for “better opportunities” later found that new roles were not always ideal. The Great Resignation further accelerated job switches, but uncertainty in global markets prompted reconsideration.
Today, many media reports suggest that at many tech firms, one in every three to four hires is a returning employee. Global companies led the shift. Google reportedly rehired former employees for AI roles. Microsoft, Deloitte and McKinsey maintain active alumni networks. Meta has also seen laid-off engineers return in stronger roles.
India Inc. is going with the flow
Indian firms are not far behind. IBM, Lenovo and Coca-Cola have formal rehire programs. Companies such as Paytm, MakeMyTrip and InMobi are also reportedly welcoming back former staff. Compass Group India has seen thousands return post-pandemic, as per reports.
For employees, the appeal is equally strong. Returning professionals often negotiate better roles and higher pay, while avoiding cultural mismatches and long probation periods at new workplaces.
