Ultimate Performance: Measuring Human Resources at Work

No Rehires

This policy actually is based on two premises. First, a no rehire policy is a punitive measure to discourage resignations because employees know they can “never come back.” Second, organizations that embrace this first premise also believe that if someone left once, they will leave again. In short, why rehire someone when you know they’ll turn around and leave again? Interestingly enough, exceptions to these no rehire policies are very common in the organizations that have them, a situation that raises a rash of legal implications. And even in organizations that do not grant exceptions, there is no data indicating that a no rehire policy enhances retention. Organizations would do better by openly embracing departing, valuable employees and wishing them well. There is value in ex-employees speaking well of their experiences. Rehire turnover is actually slightly lower than the total employee population and should be considered on a case by case basis.