When employees leave a company, it’s natural to feel a sense of loss, especially if they move to a competitor. However, maintaining relationships with former employees, even those who have joined competitors, is more important than ever. Here’s why incorporating alumni who have moved to competitors into your corporate alumni programme is a strategic move that can benefit your firm.
1. Fostering a Positive Company Culture
A robust alumni programme that includes all former employees, regardless of their current affiliations, sends a powerful message about your company’s culture. It shows that your organisation values relationships and respects the career choices of its former employees. This inclusivity can enhance your company’s reputation as a supportive and forward-thinking employer, making it more attractive to potential hires.
2. Brand Ambassadors
Former employees can be some of your most effective brand ambassadors. If they had a positive experience at your company, they’re likely to speak well of it, even while working for a competitor. This can enhance your company’s reputation in the industry and attract top talent. Alumni who feel appreciated and valued are more likely to advocate for your brand and may even refer potential clients or employees to your company.
3. Potential for Boomerang Employees
It’s not uncommon for employees to return to a former employer after a stint with another company. These "boomerang employees" bring back new skills, experiences, and perspectives that can be incredibly valuable. By keeping alumni engaged, you increase the likelihood of their return, often at higher levels of expertise and productivity.
4. Knowledge Sharing and Learning
Alumni can be a rich source of knowledge sharing. By engaging them through webinars, newsletters, and forums, you create opportunities for continuous learning and development. They can provide insights into different corporate cultures and practices, helping your firm to innovate and adapt. Learning from alumni who have experienced different working environments can offer fresh perspectives that drive growth and improvement.
5. Enhancing Corporate Loyalty
By including alumni who have joined competitors in your programme, you demonstrate that your commitment to your employees extends beyond their tenure at your company. This can foster a sense of loyalty and pride among current employees, knowing that they are part of a supportive and enduring community. It shows that your company values their long-term career development, regardless of where it takes them.
6. Career Progression and Long-Term Relationships
Employees' career paths are rarely linear, and many will move across various companies and roles throughout their professional lives. Just because an employee has moved to a competitor today doesn't mean they will stay there forever. Many may transition to different roles in industry, potentially rising to influential positions where they can instruct work or make strategic decisions.
Maintaing long-term relationships - By keeping in touch with all alumni, including those at competitors, you ensure that your relationships are not purely transactional or opportunistic. If you only reach out to former employees when they have attained a position of influence, it may seem insincere and self-serving. Consistently engaging with alumni throughout their careers shows that you value them as individuals, not just for their current job titles.
Building a Supportive Network - Former employees who feel genuinely appreciated and supported by their previous employer are more likely to maintain a positive view of the company. This positive relationship can be crucial when they move into industry roles where they might be in a position to make decisions that could benefit your company. By maintaining a strong alumni network, you create a supportive and expansive professional network that can open doors and create opportunities across various stages of your alumni’s careers.
Conclusion
Maintaining connections with all former employees, including those who have moved to competitors, is a strategic and forward-thinking approach. A comprehensive alumni programme that embraces this inclusivity can be beneficial, from fostering a positive company culture and enhancing networking opportunities to gaining competitive intelligence and strengthening industry relationships.
By recognising the fluid nature of career progression and maintaining long-term, genuine connections, you ensure that your company is seen as a supportive and valued part of your alumni's professional journey. This not only reflects positively on your company but also creates a network of brand ambassadors and potential collaborators who can contribute to your long-term success and growth.