Nearly all (98 per cent) human resources (HR) managers interviewed said they would roll out the welcome mat for a returning employee who left on good terms, according to a survey from staffing firm Accountemps. But not all workers would feel comfortable returning. In fact, 52 per cent of professionals polled said it’s unlikely they would apply for a job with a former employer.

“Boomerang employees have a shorter learning curve and may require less training, and have already proven themselves and their fit with the organization, so there are fewer surprises,” said Bill Driscoll, a district president for Accountemps. “Companies who part ways unprofessionally or don’t take seriously the information they glean from exit interviews could miss out on bringing back someone great.”

Driscoll added, “When it comes to rehiring former employees, consider why they left in the first place. If they resigned to pursue education, training or a role with more responsibility, having them back may bring new skills and ideas to the organization. On the other hand, those who quit because of dissatisfaction with management, pay or the corporate culture may still be unhappy if they perceive nothing has changed while they were away.”

Here are a few tips for companies that want to leave the door open for departing employees:

1. Conduct exit interviews. Get feedback from employees who resign and act on the information if it improves the work environment.
2. Part ways professionally. Avoid isolating those who’ve given notice. If they are leaving on good terms, treat them as members of the team until they walk out the door for the last time.
3. Communicate intentions. If you think you’d like to rehire exiting employees, let them know they’d be welcomed back. Sometimes the grass isn’t greener somewhere else, and they might jump at the chance to return.
4. Stay in touch. Keep in contact with former employees who were top performers. You never know when their situation might change and they’ll be in the market for a new job.
5. Consider boomerangs for different roles. If they’ve gained new skills and experience, they may be better suited for other positions or departments.