Are You Tapping Into Your Best Resources? Employee Alumni Programs

Updated October 2021. First published April 2019.

Since the summer, the high turnover being experienced by U.S. employers across the board has led economists to dub this period as the “Great Resignation”. While the reason for people quitting their job is personal (e.g. prioritizing what matters to them [like the continuation of remote work] or more money), it has led to a competitive landscape in being able to recruit talent as well as sparked investing in employer branding.

With such dynamism in the job market, employers may benefit from showing interest in ways to stay in touch with former employees to expand and strengthen their presence. One of the ways an employer can stay connected with their staff, even after their employment, is through a formal alumni program. Employers can leverage the strength of their alumni by turning former employees into brand ambassadors, future clients, or partners, or even rehiring them for a different role down the road.

Starting an Employee Alumni program may seem like a data haul, but it begins with a cordial exit process. During off-boarding, HR can seek to understand the employee’s reasons for leaving, their opinions and aspirations, and take the opportunity to communicate the value in being an alumni resource. Networking value can be the primary motivation for wanting to participate in an alumni program. Still, employers can add additional benefits such as hosting events, extending invitations to speak, incentivizing referrals, or offering training programs to drive engagement.

Once an alumni group starts to take shape, an employer can take further proactive steps in monitoring the community through surveys and communicating periodically to maintain relevance.

While technology continues to drive transparency and opportunity, it is more beneficial than ever for employers to stay relevant by fostering connectivity and growth with their employees, both past and present. After all, it is, more often than not, the individual we work with that provides the best learnings and experiences.

Please contact Kiwi Partners' HR Services team if you need assistance.