Rehires

Rehires are individuals who previously worked for a company and are hired again to fill a position. They may return after voluntary departure, following a layoff or furlough, or be brought back as seasonal or temporary workers who become permanent hires. Rehires are distinct from first-time hires because they bring prior experience with the organization, its processes, and culture.

Benefits of rehiring include reduced onboarding time, faster productivity, and the retention of institutional knowledge. Rehires can preserve continuity during staffing shortages and can be a cost-effective solution when skills are still aligned with business needs. For the employee, a prior relationship with the employer can offer a clearer path to advancement or more favorable terms based on prior tenure.

Policies and practices around rehires vary by organization. Some employers require a formal application and screening, while others treat rehires as internal candidates with streamlined processes. Many employers credit prior tenure toward new employment milestones, and some may provide a probationary period or revised benefits and compensation structures. In some cases, there are recall rights after layoffs, especially under collective bargaining agreements or regulatory programs.

Common considerations for employers include ensuring fair wage parity with current market rates, reintegrating the employee into current teams, and addressing any perceptions among remaining staff about favoritism or compensation disparities. Legal and ethical considerations involve non-discrimination, contract terms, and adherence to applicable labor laws.

A boomerang employee is a colloquial term sometimes used for a rehire, reflecting the idea of returning to the organization after a break.