The Benefits of Hiring Boomerang Employees

Sep 13, 2018 | Blog

Do you have a name for people who quit, but then eventually want to come back to, your company? I’ve heard them called “second-timers,” “re-hires,” “re-treads,” and—my personal favorite— “boomerang employees.” Even more important than the moniker you prefer, what is your policy regarding these “comeback kids?” Some companies refuse to rehire, or even talk to, ex-employees. Apparently, they consider the breach of loyalty too grievous to ever move past.

I don’t see it that way at all.

Sure, I may grumble a bit when an employee tells me they are leaving for another job, but I do not discourage anyone who is trying to better themselves.  I realize that as a small company, we cannot always provide opportunities that meet an employee’s personal growth objectives or life goals. So, every now and then, an employee may feel they need to work elsewhere. I get it.

The funny thing is, though, after some time passes, it’s not uncommon for us to see those same people reaching out about a job opening we posted. Their motivations for returning vary, ranging from the job they left for “wasn’t as described” to “the work environment just wasn’t the same.” Maybe the grass isn’t always greener on the other side?

Regardless of why an ex-employee may want to return, we pride ourselves on being welcoming—that’s always been fundamental to SencorpWhite’s company culture. Plus, let’s face it: right now, we are experiencing the tightest job market in my lifetime, and it’s difficult to find people with the skills and experience necessary to succeed in a world-class company. Ex-employees can bridge that gap and often, they can do so in ways that “ordinary” hires simply can’t. That’s because re-hires offer a unique combination of these three key elements:

• Consistency. Ex-employees know your business just as well as you know them. There is nothing better than hiring a known entity, someone who has already proven themselves to be a good fit.
• Fresh perspective. Based on their experiences “on the outside,” re-hired employees can bring valuable insights back into your company. After being away, it may be easier for them to recognize where you can improve processes, strategies, etc.
• Gratitude. One of the most notable characteristics of ex-employees who want to return is exactly that…their want! They undoubtedly appreciate your company more, now that they have tried some place different.

So, the next time you learn there’s an ex-employee who wants to come back to your company, be open to the idea. It’s likely you will reap valuable benefits from hiring a boomerang.

Lessons in Excellence from a Dinner in Mendrisio

Aug 27, 2018 | Blog

I’m happy to admit it: I’m a foodie. Not only is my wife an amazing cook, but one of my sons is a classically trained chef—and thanks to him, I have had the pleasure of dining all over the world, including at many Michelin-star restaurants. Usually, when I go out to eat, I simply relax and enjoy the meal. Every now and then, though, I can’t help but relate the experience I’m having to the work I do at SencorpWhite.

That’s what happened last month when I found myself having dinner in a hotel restaurant in Mendrisio, Switzerland. It was a slow Monday night in a relatively out-of-the-way location, so to be perfectly honest, I wasn’t expecting much. But this unassuming restaurant, surrounded by the hills and mountains of the Swiss countryside, surprised me… and left me eager to apply what I learned when I got back to the office.

In a nutshell, my dining experience was amazing. The food was spectacular, and the service was impeccable. In fact, this place was as good, if not better, than some Michelin-star restaurants I’ve been to. What made this particular meal so great? I can sum it up in one word: passion. Clearly, the chef had the training to execute to perfection. Beyond that, he was also inventive, taking the ordinary to extraordinary with every course. In addition, everyone on the staff aimed to please. They truly seemed to care and executed to the best of their ability, even
on a routine Monday night in the middle of August.

What were my takeaways from this dinner?

• Excellence can be found anywhere. You may believe your product or service is the best in the world, but remember, the world is a big place.
• Skills are essential. If you want to be the best, you simply can’t “fake it.” Skills are paramount when producing a world-class product, and you need to know your team is up to the task. Yes, training programs cost time and money, but the investment is worth it.
• Creativity sets you apart. While skills are fundamental, it’s creativity that differentiates you from your competition. Keep innovating—it helps you better meet your customers’ needs, grab more market share and even attract the best talent.
• Passion and teamwork pull it all together. Speaking of talent, you must have a team that cares. If you want to be not only the best but the best of the best, your team must pay attention to every detail. Nothing should be overlooked. The smallest slipup can turn what should be an exceptional experience (or product) into something that’s only average.
• We compete in a global marketplace. Just to underscore my first point, you may believe you are the best, but in some out-of-the-way place, there could very well be a competitor that has the skill, creativity, drive, and passion to embarrass you. Stay agile and keep your
  eyes open.

From manufacturing and packaging to food service and hospitality, a commitment to excellence is key. As CEO, my job is to inspire that kind of passion, to the benefit of our customers and our company as a whole.