But would employers rehire them?
A new trend called "The Great Regret" is emerging in Australia's employment scene as 85% of employees there say they are willilng to come back to their employers before COVID-19.
In fact, a quarter of them have already reached out to a previous employer, according to the survey from Robert Walters.
The new trend rises after the so-called "Great Resignation" impacted many employers during the pandemic, where waves of employees across the world exited their organisations due to a variety of reasons.
"It appears that workers are awakening to the realisation that the grass may not have been greener on the other side, after all," said Shay Peters, CEO of Robert Walters ANZ, in a statement.
"The Great Regret" rises as the reasons why employee departed in the first place become irrelevant years later, according to the report.
"Throughout 2021, professionals were enticed with unprecedented salary hikes and the promise of a highly adaptable and hybrid work culture. Fast forward to 2024, and these salary increases now pale in comparison to the escalating living costs and inflation," Peters said.
Meanwhile, 98% of hiring managers said they would re-hire a staff member who previously left, according to the report, raising the chances of a successful comeback for boomerang employee.
Peters said it "should excite leaders" to know that a pool of talent is willing to re-join their organisation.
"These individuals are not only familiar with your company's processes, but they have already demonstrated a vested interest in your brand. These are qualities that can take years to instil in a new employee," he said.
Amid these findings, Robert Walters still advised employers to be mindful of boomerang employees' return to their organisations, especially if they're coming back to a higher position.
Robert Walters said it remains essential to continue creating internal opportunities for current employees, or organisations risk sending a message that the only way to get promoted and receive higher compensation is by becoming a boomerang employee.
