Should I employ him or not?

Question

A somewhat trivial question perhaps but i would like to have your opinion...

I have a former employee that left to try another work. As he did this he parted with telling everyone how good it should be to leave since he was tired of the work and that he was generally not pleased with how things had developed for him the last six months. After being at his new work for only four weeks he phoned me and was very regretful. He had gained insight (according to himself) that his old job was much better than he had believed. I met him to judge his sincerity, and I think he really menas it. So... I need someone like him and have a place for him, BUT what would you do?

Answer 1

Everyone makes mistakes. If he is sincere in what he says I think you should consider accepting him back. In any case, I think you should also give him a little lecture about what he said to your employees before he left.

Peace and blessings!

Answer 2

There are many schools of thought here, but what you need to understand as an employer is that whatever decision you make will set a trend for your company, one way or another. Some companies will rehire former employees without hesitation, provided they were good fits. Others will not rehire formers no matter what the circumstances are. The questions you need to answer are:

What specific reasons did he leave for in the first place? If those things are the same, he will leave again, and if they are not things you're willing to change, then it makes no sense for you to rehire him.

Why is he so unhappy with the new position? You have every right to ask this question, and it also will give you some insight into the challenges some other companies face.

What is different about him now? What has changed for him in regard to the reasons that he left?

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

This employee will probably eventually become dissatisfied no matter which way you decide. Not sure how long he worked for you, but it seems that he gets discouraged easily and wants to move on when things "get dull" or don't go his way. That says something right there. The thing about "dull" is that an individual controls their own reality and each person has the ability to transform "dull" into something "meaningful" if they try hard enough. If he was "tired of the work," why didn't he ask you for something different to do or a new project that would test his other skills and help him learn more about other areas of your business....instead of looking for a new job? Also, he does not seem to be a loyal person. For him to "dis" the job before leaving was a bad move on his part. Why would you expect him to be loyal and dedicated, if he comes back? Loyalty, honesty, and integrity are all things that are needed in good employees...and in human beings period. With the current job market, I'm sure there is someone else out there who has his skills and has the other good qualities of a long-term employee -- not a short-timer. I'm all for "forgive and forget," but in reality that is a very hard thing to do when someone has behaved as he did. I think "forgive and forget" works better in really close personal relationships -- not the workplace. He may have learned something with the experience, but it is important that he learn that being open and honest with your boss is one of the best moves you can make in your career. He should strive to build relationships, not tear them down when things don't go his way. He should have told you he needed something more to keep him engaged in the business. If you didn't listen, then he could have looked outside of the job and you would understand why. Doesn't sound like he gave you the chance to try and make it right before he bailed on you. Tough decision. Good luck.

Answer 4

Everyone at one time or another makes a job change that does not work out. Hire him back on his work ethic. If he did a good job for you, on time, no out sick continuously...then what is the harm. But...if he was not motivated or a self starter..then it may be worth the money to place an add to start fresh with someone else. The choice is yours. Did you value him as an employee?

Answer 5

I am a plumber and did the same thing with my employer. All I can say is that the grass is rarely greener on the other side. I am thankful my boss gave me a second chance. Going back to my current employer was the best thing I ever did. Hope that helps some.

Answer 6

If you need him, you were satisfied with his work, and you can't find someone better, you should rehire him. At least he is a known quantity. Evidently having tried something else he has come to the realization that you gave him a pretty good job. It is important that you don't hold his leaving against him if you take him back.

Answer 7

If your instinct is saying no, then do not hire them back. If you have no gut feeling, try hiring them back iin a probationary period of say 6 months and that may give you the easy out to let them go if they start slacking. If they pull the same stunt or you suspect they are looking again, fire them and never consider rehireing again.

Answer 8

Well, perhaps you could read the biblical parable of the Prodigal Son.

There's merit to bringing him back. Other employees that might be considering a move might decide to stay based on his experience, and if they do leave, not burn their bridges when they go.

Answer 9

And how long before he again tires of his regained position. Even if he is sincere I would not rehire him. He had no reason to dis his old job on leaving.

Answer 10

i think he will have learned his lesson to go mouthing off now. just tell him that he was not fair telling other collegues that he was not happy upon leaving. make sure he knows how lucky he is to get his job back and re-employ him. remember you are not just doing him a favour, if he was good at his job he is doing you a favour also.