Today's economy and changing work environment have many employers thinking outside the box in their search for talented workers. So-called "boomerang employees" who previously worked for a company are an increasingly viable option.

"Gone are the days when boomerang employees carried the stigma of disloyalty," according to a new Visier Insights Report. "In times of grave talent shortages, rehires are on the rise and considered an untapped source of talent for organizations. Our data suggests that today's boomerang employees typically return to their previous employers after around one year away reenergized, armed with new skills and ready to renegotiate their terms."

Rehiring previous employees who left voluntarily can benefit for both parties. The hiring process of boomerang employees can be more cost effective. Companies can save in recruitment costs, shorter onboarding and training times, and at the same time, benefit from the employee's newly gained external knowledge and existing institutional knowledge. For employees who spend time away and return to a known employer with a promotion and pay increase, working in a familiar work environment can be both comforting and motivating.