Boomerang Hiring: The Path towards Workplace Diversity and Inclusion

Embracing the Boomerang Effect

Boomerang hiring — often termed 'return to work programs' — revolves around rehiring former employees who, at some point, ventured beyond the organization for diverse reasons. What makes this approach particularly powerful is its natural alignment with diversity and inclusion goals.

Nurturing Diversity and Inclusion: Exploring Boomerang Hiring's 5 Dimensions

1. Broadening Perspectives

Returning employees introduce fresh viewpoints and unique insights gained from their time in different environments. These external experiences enrich internal thinking, challenge assumptions, and bring a diversity of thought that drives better decision-making across teams.

2. Retaining Diverse Talent

When organizations actively rehire former employees from underrepresented groups, it sends a powerful signal: your organization is committed to diverse workforce retention. Boomerang hiring is especially impactful for professionals who left for caregiving responsibilities, health reasons, or personal transitions — and are now ready to return.

3. Fostering Inclusivity

Welcoming former employees back strengthens your organization's commitment to D&I. It demonstrates that growth, career breaks, and life changes don't disqualify someone from contributing — they are valued and their journey is respected.

4. Leveraging Existing Relationships

Pre-existing connections ease the integration of boomerang hires into diverse teams. They already understand team dynamics and interpersonal nuances, which reduces friction and accelerates collaboration — a key advantage in building inclusive high-performing teams.

5. Skill Enhancement

Time away from the organization often means new competencies gained — whether through different industries, roles, education, or life experiences. Boomerang hires bring this enhanced skill set back, adding new capabilities that complement existing team strengths.

Case Studies

SAP Returnship Program

SAP's Returnship Program is designed specifically to help professionals re-enter the workforce after a career break. The program provides returnees with mentoring, training, and hands-on project experience — making it a model example of inclusive boomerang hiring at scale.

Barclays Encore Program

Barclays' Encore Program targets experienced professionals returning to financial services after a career break. It provides structured support to ease their transition back, reinforcing Barclays' commitment to retaining diverse talent and creating an inclusive culture.

Deloitte Encore Program

Deloitte's Encore Program helps professionals — especially women — re-enter the workforce after extended breaks. Participants receive coaching, mentoring, and project-based experience. This initiative reflects Deloitte's understanding that diverse life experiences make for stronger, more empathetic professionals.