The Great Regret: Boomerang Employees Highlight the Power of Company Culture

Brief

Discover how the rise of “boomerang employees” signals the importance of a positive working culture for talent retention in a post-pandemic world. Learn the key lessons for leaders to create a thriving workplace environment.

Insight

The Covid-19 pandemic triggered an exodus of employees from their jobs, known as the Great Resignation. However, recent research by recruiter Robert Walters suggests that many individuals are now experiencing “The Great Regret”, with 71% of 3,000 UK professionals surveyed open to returning to their pre-pandemic employer, and a quarter having already reached out to them.

Factors like the cost-of-living crisis and changing priorities have influenced this shift in sentiment.

This trend of “boomerang employees” highlights the importance of company culture in retaining staff, as pay and flexible working conditions alone are no longer sufficient. Business psychologist Martina Doherty emphasises the significance of a positive working culture, which can become an organisation’s competitive edge, especially with ongoing talent shortages in Western society due to aging populations.

Leaders are advised not to underestimate their role in fostering a positive work environment, and to be proactive in addressing employee wellbeing. Doherty warns against complacency and recommends regular check-ins with staff, both informally and through formal evaluation methods, to identify and address potential issues before they escalate.

Creating a positive work culture requires effort, but neglecting it could lead to issues such as high staff turnover or absenteeism, which may be difficult to rectify.

Highlight

1. The Great Regret” sees 71% of professionals open to returning to their pre-Covid employe.
2. Pay and flexible working conditions are no longer enough to retain employees.
3. Company culture is crucial in distinguishing organisations from their competition.
   Leaders should not underestimate their role in creating a positive working culture.
4. Regular check-ins with staff and proactive measures are vital for employee wellbeing.

Related Questions:

• How do you engage employees returning to the office?
• How do you engage employees in office?
• How do you announce a return to office?