Cognizant is making waves by its rehiring of 13,000 former employees from 40 countries, underscoring its ability to cultivate a culture that employees want to return to.
How Cognizant’s Strategy of Welcoming Back Employees Is Shaping the Future of Talent Retention?
This surge in “boomerang” hires reflects a 40% increase over the last two years, reflecting the company’s strong work culture and its appeal as a long-term employer, even in a highly competitive job market.
Cognizant, unlike other companies which focus on preventing employee turnover, the company has embraced a strategy of welcoming back former staff with arms wide open. One would ask, what is all the fuss about then if an employee returns?
To understand this better, “boomerang”, in tech industry are rarer than other sectors like retail or manufacturing. When such a case happens and employee returns, then in that case, the reasons like company culture and connection take the precedent and other things like monetary incentives take a backseat. This goes on to highlight the loyalty as well as mutual respect between employer as well as employee.
This attracting back of former employees back to the company is now part of a larger trend wherein the companies view employee exits as opportunities to maintain long-term relationships. This can be done by treating the employees well while departing and leaving the door open for their return, maintain positive environment. Leading companies including the like of Deloitte have alumni programs that keep former employees engaged, while ensuring that they remain part of company’s larger and extended community.
Now, one would ask, why all this hassle? Why old over new?
Why Boomerang Hires Matter: Lessons from Cognizant’s Success in Rebuilding Talent?
So, the answer lies in the fact that rehiring a former employee has strategic benefits since these employees are already aware of company’s operations and culture, this leads to reduction in on-boarding time. Notably, it is crucial to ensure that the current employees also undergo the same rigorous hiring process that the new candidates undergo in order to ensure they’re aligned with current business needs.
This success story of boomerang in Cognizant goes on to give a message to other companies, that if
The success of Cognizant’s boomerang strategy sends a clear message: if companies want to bring talent back, they must treat their employees well, even as they leave. By fostering a culture of respect, loyalty, and long-term connections, businesses can position themselves to reap the rewards of a returning workforce.
