• 21% consider to ‘boomerang’ to previous organization if there was a clear career progression
  • A staggering 80% of employers consider rehiring a former employee if they were a good staff 

Kuala Lumpur | According to a recent survey conducted by Robert Walters in Southeast Asia (SEA),  three in four professionals (75%) in the region consider returning to their previous employer, citing career progression  as the main consideration, at 24%. This situation seems to hold true for Malaysia as majority of the professionals  (similar to SEA, at 75%) contemplate the possibility of rejoining their former organization, also stating opportunity for  career advancement as the ultimate driving force (21%). 

The respondents in Malaysia prioritize better remuneration and change of leadership equally at 20%, in order for them  to consider the option of returning to previous employer. 

Keeping a Foot in the Door 

Of all the six countries surveyed, Malaysia saw the most respondents (32%) who are still staying in some form of  contact with their previous employer for future job opportunities. Meanwhile, more than one in three professionals  (39%) revealed that they have established close ties with their former employer which has transformed into genuine friendship even after they have left the organization.  

More than a quarter of the respondents (27%) have actively engaged with their previous employer in the past two  years, and 19% of the professionals have done so to put themselves on the radar for any prospective employment. 

On the other hand, only 14% of the respondents revealed that they have completely shut the door; having zero contact  with their former employer. 

Employers’ Openness to Rehire Former Employee 

Across the region, Malaysia came slightly behind the Philippines which was the highest, at 83%, when it comes to  rehiring previous employee (a staggering 80% of Malaysian employers). 

“Majority of the employers in Malaysia are found to be extremely willing to rehire a former employee for a new role,  especially if they were an exemplary employee in their previous position,” said Ai Rene Tan, Robert Walters Country  Head for Malaysia.  

“This demonstrates the openness of Malaysian employers in welcoming former employees into the organization, for  as long as they possess the right qualities and skill sets for the role. While I strongly advise employers to reengage with  former staff, it is important for them to consider providing training to managers on conducting a positive exit process.  Embracing the concept of ‘boomerang employees’ could potentially offer a solution to address talent shortages,” Ai  Rene added.

Echoing Ai Rene’s sentiment, Kimberlyn Lu, Robert Walters Chief Executive Officer for South-East Asia added, “There  is no denying that the boomerang employee trend is on the rise across SEA as shown in our survey. To help retain  talent and reduce turnover, it is crucial for employers to understand employee concerns and use the insights to address  underlying issues.” 

For more information on the Malaysian job market, in-demand skill sets and latest salary trends, please visit www.robertwalters.com.my. 

For media queries, please contact: 

Debbie Koh at dkoh@jirehconsult.com or Sharon Kuan at skuan@jirehconsult.com.