In today’s unpredictable job market, getting laid off doesn’t always mean a permanent goodbye. More companies are beginning to bring back former employees — a trend that’s quietly gaining momentum as businesses navigate economic uncertainty and rapid technological change.
People analytics firm Visier analyzed global data from 142 large organizations between 2018 and 2024 and found that about 5.3% of laid-off workers were rehired within 15 months. According to Andrea Derler, Visier’s principal researcher, this rate is likely to grow as companies grapple with “AI-induced pressures” and ongoing market volatility.
“In times of extreme turmoil… layoff boomerangs seem to be more prevalent,” Derler explained, noting that unpredictable shifts make workforce planning trickier than ever.
This isn’t an isolated trend, either. ADP Research found that boomerangs made up 35% of new hires in March — up from 26% just two years earlier. When the job market feels “fuzzy or uncertain,” it’s natural for both employers and employees to lean into familiar territory.
A Job Market That’s Both Quiet and Unsteady
Despite headlines about major layoffs from companies like Verizon and Amazon, actual layoffs remain historically low. The real issue? Hiring has slowed dramatically. Monthly job growth in the U.S. dropped from an average of 111,000 earlier in the year to just 62,000 by late summer.
With fewer openings and more cautious hiring, rehiring someone who already knows the company’s systems and culture can feel like a safe bet.
Who’s Most Likely to Be Rehired?
Visier’s research shows managers are one of the groups most likely to return — not because they’re being laid off in large numbers, but because they’re especially valuable.
“It’s really hard to find a good manager,” Derler said. “They influence performance, productivity, and engagement.”
Certain industries also see higher boomerang rates:
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Finance: 7.5%
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Retail: 7.5%
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Tech: just 4.3%, the lowest among industries studied
Retail’s high turnover naturally leads to more movement in and out. In finance, specialized expertise makes previous employees appealing candidates — why hunt for new talent when proven people are available?
Tech tells a different story. With skills evolving at breakneck speed, companies often seek candidates with the latest capabilities rather than returning talent.
“Skills are changing so fast,” Derler said. “Prompt engineers were hot a year ago — now nobody’s talking about it.”
How to Set Yourself Up for a Future Rehire
If you’ve been laid off — or worry you might be — there are ways to make a future boomerang move more likely.
1. Maintain “layoff hygiene.”
Stay respectful and professional. Don’t internalize the layoff or blame yourself. Transitions happen.
2. Keep your skills sharp.
Your next opportunity — whether back at your old company or somewhere new — may hinge on how well you’ve stayed current.
3. Stay connected.
Relationships matter. Many boomerang employees Derler interviewed had kept in touch with former managers who later reached out when roles reopened.
It’s simple: when a leader needs someone reliable, they often think of the people they already know and trust.
The rise of boomerang employees reflects a job market shaped by uncertainty, shifting skills, and the need for familiarity. For workers, it’s a reminder that a layoff isn’t always the end of the story — sometimes it’s just a detour before circling back to something that still fits.
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