Boomerang Employees: A Smart Move or a Risk? Research by Prof. Benjamin Laker

Prof. Benjamin Laker, Professor of Leadership and Postgraduate Research Director in the Department of Leadership, Organisations, Behaviour, and Reputation at Henley Business School, University of Reading, shares insights from his research, "The Benefits and Risks of Rehiring a Boomerang Employee," published in MIT Sloan Management Review. His research explores the strategic implications of rehiring former employees, highlighting both the advantages - such as familiarity with the organization and accelerated productivity - and the potential challenges, including cultural misalignment and changing expectations. This discussion provides valuable perspectives for business leaders navigating talent management in an evolving workforce landscape. Prof. Benjamin Laker is a distinguished scholar whose interdisciplinary research, supported by grantors such as the Leverhulme Trust and the British Academy, explores how leaders navigate global crises - including geopolitical unrest, climate change, and economic and health inequalities. His research has been published in top-tier journals, including the Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Management Studies, Human Resource Management, Organizational Research Methods, European Journal of Operational Research, Business History, Harvard Business Review, and MIT Sloan Management Review. The managerial insights derived from his research have led to the publication of five bestselling books, including Closing The Service Gap (Financial Times, 2023) and Job Crafting (The MIT Press, 2024), co-authored with the Editor-in-Chief of Long Range Planning. Beyond academia, Prof. Laker contributes to The New York Times and Forbes, where he interviews global political leaders - including Malaysia’s Prime Minister - on socio-environmental strategy. He also advises Canadian and UK government administrations and participates in U.S. House Select Committee hearings, shaping legislative proposals presented to Congress. He serves as an Associate Editor at the Journal of Business Research and reviews grant applications for the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the Norwegian Research Council. Additionally, he holds a Visiting Professorship at the University of London, following a prior appointment at the University of Chicago (USA). This podcast is brought to you by Global Management Consultancy. For more information, please visit www.globalmanagementconsultancy.com. Disclaimer: A. The background music used in this video is the property of its respective developer and is protected by Copyright. Although it is a free version, Business Talk, Global Management Consultancy and Deepak Bhatt do not hold the rights to this music. B. Prof. Benjamin Laker graciously shared deep insights from his research, “The Benefits and Risks of Rehiring a Boomerang Employee,” during his appearance on the Business Talk Podcast Channel. The uploaded video contains copyrighted material; therefore, any modifications to graphics, music, or the presence of the author or host are strictly prohibited. All content is © 2025. All rights reserved.