Rehiring the rockstar former employee may be the answer

Rehiring an employee who was a rockstar in their previous role can be an exciting prospect for any employer. According to a recent article in Harvard Business Review, when a superstar employee leaves your organisation, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be gone forever. Perhaps they left to pursue other opportunities or were let go due to downsizing or restructuring.

Five steps to rehiring

Whatever the reason, if you’re considering bringing them back on board, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Firstly, it’s important to evaluate why they left in the first place. Were there any underlying issues that led to their departure? Did they have any concerns or complaints about their role or the company culture? If so, it’s essential to address these issues before rehiring them to ensure that they don’t arise again.

Once you’ve determined that rehiring them is a good decision, it’s essential to approach the situation with sensitivity. Avoid making any assumptions about why they left or what their motivations are for wanting to return. Instead, have an open and honest conversation about their reasons for leaving and what they hope to gain from coming back.

It’s also essential to consider how their return will affect the rest of the team. Will their former colleagues be happy to see them back, or will there be any resentment? It’s important to communicate with the team and address any concerns they may have to ensure a smooth transition.

When rehiring someone, it’s also a good idea to review their previous performance and determine if any areas need improvement. Perhaps they excelled in some areas but struggled in others. By identifying these areas, you can provide additional training and support to help them improve and grow in their role.

Finally, it’s essential to set clear expectations and goals for the employee’s return. Have a conversation about what their role will entail and what you expect from them. Set realistic targets and milestones to ensure that they are on track and meeting expectations.

In conclusion, rehiring a rockstar employee can be a solution over hiring a new staff member. Approach it with caution and it could lead to a good relaunch for both you and the employee.