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Maximizing talent retention: how strategic offboarding facilitates boomerang employees’ return

In 2024, talent retention emerges as the paramount concern for HR professionals, with a notable 44% of employers experiencing the departure of highly skilled employees within the past year, according to a study by Swiss recruitment specialist Robert Walters. Amidst this backdrop, the significance of a well-executed offboarding process cannot be overstated. As Christian Atkinson, Country Director at Robert Walters Switzerland, aptly puts it, "Reputational enhancement is not the only benefit. By offering the employee a positive exit, you increase the chances of them returning as a boomerang employee in the future. Offboarding is therefore, in fact, part of retention policy."

Christian emphasizes the broader impact of offboarding, highlighting its integral role within retention policy. Beyond addressing practical matters such as legal and financial settlements and the return of materials, offboarding facilitates seamless knowledge transfer and ensures continuity in productivity. Crucially, it culminates in an exit interview, offering insights for process enhancement to current business practices whilst fostering a positive departure experience conducive to potential rehiring.

Identifying common offboarding pitfalls, Christian underscores the detrimental effects of neglecting departing employees and bypassing exit interviews. “Such oversights not only prevent counteroffers from being made or accepted, but also limit the chances of an open conversation or feedback."

The ultimate purpose of offboarding extends beyond mere procedural completion. As Christian suggests, it presents an opportunity for organizations to address underlying issues, potentially retaining valuable talent through counteroffers and internal improvements. “Even in cases of departure, a well-handled offboarding process cultivates positive attitudes among departing employees and fosters an environment of open communication, laying the groundwork for potential returns as boomerang employees, which is a strategic advantage in talent retention.”

 

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Find out more by contacting one of our specialist recruitment consultants

Christian Atkinson

Country Director | Robert Walters Switzerland
Phone: +41 44 809 3513

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