Rehiring, or “boomerang employment,” is a forward-thinking strategy that’s gaining traction in modern workplaces, including at the Nordic Aviation Group. It involves welcoming back former employees who had previously left the organization but wish to return. This approach has substantial benefits, with advantages accruing to both the employees and the company.

“Today I have these three great colleagues, because rehiring is an option and the two-sided communication can lead to positive changes for the company as well as for its brilliant people – the present and the former ones. It is a career pathway for the people in aviation,“ Katrin Erit, Employee Lifecycle HRD and Employee Engagement Specialist at the Nordic Aviation Group. “Do not doubt in keeping good relationships with your former employees,” Katrin adds.

In the aviation industry, every employee's journey is unique and insightful. Here, we share the stories of Inga, Tõnno, and Aisha, three employees who have experienced the benefits of rehiring firsthand. Their individual experiences and insights gained through their journeys at the Nordic Aviation Group, Xfly, and Nordica offer a glimpse into the phenomenon of re-hiring.

Inga's story

Inga, currently a Flight Crew Training coordinator for CRJs, former Cabin Crew as well as Cabin Crew Long Term Planner:

“For me coming back was an easy choice. It's the people here who make it hard for me to stay away for long.

Having familiar faces around the place really makes it easier to start a new position. It takes away the anxiety and fear of asking different questions and admitting it when you are lost. Therefore personal development is much faster when you feel comfortable with the environment you are in.

I joined with a department that needed a lot of help and they needed it fast, before everything would grow over their heads. What was beneficial for the company when they hired me, was that I was pretty much familiar with the systems. This saved months of training budget that would have otherwise been spent on me for learning basic skills.

For that time representing no workload, it would have been taken away from the team itself. I was pretty much ready to take some more responsibility onto my shoulders, much faster than a newcomer! This made me quickly feel valuable, useful and beneficial for the team. At a higher pace.” 

Tõnno's story

Tõnno, currently the Head of Asset Management and Technical Projects:

“I consider myself a lucky person. After almost a decade working for an airline, I had the chance to join an MRO back in 2019. Anyone, who has worked on both sides in aviation, understands the difference. Only on the operator’s side you get the drive of getting your aircraft into service as soon as possible. At some point I started missing that feeling, with that being the main reason why I decided to find my way back to my former workplace after having gained valuable experience elsewhere for 3.5 years. Thus, at the end of last year, I rejoined my previous employer, Xfly.

Is it normal to leave a company and then rejoin it later? In our company, I would say it is common. I’m not sure if it’s related to how small the local aviation market is, but there are many examples of successful returns to Xfly. I didn’t have any scruples in applying for an open position at Xfly because I felt it is the right time for me to take the next step in my career. In addition, my previous journey here had been very exciting, not to mention that I had good relations with my ex-colleagues.

Also, I knew that my former employer had valued my input in the past and, taking into account my experience on the other side of the business, I was sure I had something more to give back at this point and it would be beneficial for both, the company and myself. Should I have only had the option of returning to my old position, I would have definitely turned it down. At this stage of my career, I’m rather looking for the challenges and professional growth where I wouldn’t feel that secure. I want to test myself, accumulate new knowledge and gain experience. Fortunately, Xfly offers plenty of opportunities for professional development.”

Aisha's story

Aisha, currently the Mid-Term Planner, Previously Crew Controller:

“One of the main reasons I came back was because of the people. I really enjoyed the co-operation within this company. You can see how multiple departments essentially contribute to operations. When you come back here, you get to see the results that your work brings right away.

I also enjoy the increase in responsibilities. My current department was formed only four months ago and I knew I would be the first employee in this department. I was away for three months for personal reasons. I was more or less in the loop of how things were going, so my colleague/manager kept me updated and invited me back onboard once I was ready to come back. When I came back, I was able to properly dedicate myself to this work right away due to familiarity with my tasks.

Unlike the first time when I was completely new and alien to everything, I had connections at the workplace. Plus the advantage of not having to go through the three-month long learning period that goes with a newcomer. Being re-hired gives you a chance to get to work right away.

I quite missed the dynamic environment we have here. There is not a single dull moment in this company, especially in the operations’ part. I liked that the crew department had a new “challenge per day” to overcome. You perceive how the company moves forward and so do you. I feel this with the mid-term, it's more relaxed, and timewise there is more flexibility.”