Professional recruitment consultant Robert Walters said that many Filipinos are very much open to returning to their previous employers and managers are also open to the idea.
According to a recent poll made by the firm, 78 percent of the workforce have stated that they are keen on returning to their previous employer.
On the side of the employers, they said returning workers are likely to be considered with 80 percent of them saying they are willing to rehire without hesitation and even assign them to suitable positions.
"While the global recruitment market has slowed slightly in 2023, candidate shortages continue, and so the fact there is a pool of talent open to rejoining business should excite leaders," Robert Walters Chief Executive Officer Toby Fowlston said.
"Not only that but this is talent that can hit the ground running and they have already been inducted into your business, they will be familiar with processes and have a previous vested interest in the brand, which is all qualities which can take years to instill in a new employee," said Fowlston.
On the other hand, 7 percent of Philippine managers shared that they will not consider rehiring ex-employees, a lower figure compared to the Southeast Asian average of 9 percent.
"Our findings reveal that the hiring managers in the Philippines are notably receptive to considering the rehiring of their former employees. In the light of the growing talent shortage, nurturing positive relationships with ex-employees is advisable," said Robert Walters Philippines Director Alejandro Perez-Higuero.
"This approach carries several benefits, including familiarity with your company and culture, which minimizes adaptation time and training costs. But as you explore the possibility of rehiring, it is crucial to assess the reasons for their departure and growth during their absence, ensuring a mutually beneficial arrangement for both parties," said Higuero.
Fowlston said that in light of this trend, a balance must be established and employers must examine if they are doing everything they can to provide more opportunities for employment.
"A key thing for employers is to manage the return of these kinds of employees among existing ones. A balance needs to be struck and employers should assess that they are doing all they can to open up lines of opportunity within an organization, or they risk sending a message that one route to promotion and better package is to take this kind of path," he said.
Source: Manila Times