The strategic and cultural value of ‘boomerang talent’

At Basware, we say people make the difference, and we mean it. It’s not just a tagline for us. It’s a truth that shapes our culture, guides our decisions, and fuels our growth.

That’s why, when talented people choose to return to Basware after time away, we take notice. We welcome them back and reflect on what their return really says about us as a company. Because when someone leaves, explores new opportunities, and decides to return, it tells a powerful story about who we are, how we lead, and what it feels like to be a Baswarean.

Over the past year, around 5% of our total hires have been returners, or what we affectionately call our ‘boomerangs’. Without a formal alumni program in place, that’s a strong, organic signal of the strength of our culture and the lasting connections people build here.

The pull of culture

Each return journey is unique, but we’ve noticed a few common threads.

Boomerangs often talk about the people – the collaborative spirit, the culture of support, and the genuine sense of community. Many say they missed the way we work together: bold but humble, fast-moving yet thoughtful, and always rooted in mutual respect. It’s a people-first culture that brings out the best in everyone.

Others return because of the business we’re building. Basware today is not the same as it was yesterday. As we’ve scaled, matured, and continued to push the frontiers of invoice lifecycle management, intelligent automation, and finance transformation, we’ve become a magnet for people who want to make a meaningful impact. Whether it’s our continued focus on innovation, our sharper strategic clarity, or our strong market positioning – recognized by the world’s leading analysts such as Gartner, Forrester, and IDC – returnees see a business worth rejoining.

When familiarity meets fresh perspective

Returners bring with them a rare advantage. They understand our systems, our values, and our way of working, of course, but they’ve also seen the outside world. That combination of internal knowledge and external perspective makes them incredibly impactful, particularly in roles where deep organizational context is key.

While Baswarean boomerangs are fairly evenly spread across regions and functions, we’ve seen especially meaningful contributions in technology and product roles, where history and innovation must go hand in hand.

Real voices, real validation

From a talent strategy perspective, return hires are one of the most authentic validations of our Employee Value Proposition. It’s not just about recruitment campaigns or bold statements; it’s about real-life experiences. When former employees choose to come back, they’re telling us (and the world): this is a place where I can thrive, contribute, and belong.

They return because they:

• Trust our vision and leadership
• Believe in the purpose-driven work we offer
• Feel valued both as professionals and as people

Their return reinforces what many of us already know: Basware is a place where you can do your best work, alongside people who bring out the best in you. Here, your voice matters. You’re free to take risks in the name of innovation, knowing a whole tribe has your back. You’re empowered to be strong and autonomous, yet never alone.

Welcoming returnees, the right way

When boomerangs come back, they complete our standard onboarding process to stay current in a fast-evolving company. But their return is about more than just catching up – it’s a cause for celebration. Teams often mark these moments with informal shout-outs, welcome messages, or local events – and yes, there’s usually cake involved! The excitement feels genuine because the story of a returning colleague is well known and deeply appreciated.

Returners are more than just new hires; they’re ambassadors of our culture and credibility. We actively recognize and share their stories because they’re an important part of who we are. Looking ahead, we’re committed to doing even more to celebrate and showcase the unique strengths and perspectives they bring when they rejoin Basware.

A strategic talent channel

As part of our Talent Acquisition strategy, we’re now more intentionally tracking and considering return hires as a high-potential talent pool. And we see room to grow. With even light-touch alumni engagement, we could unlock even more value from this community and strengthen our ability to attract, re-attract, and retain the best talent in our industry.

Boomerang employees remind us of the enduring power of culture, the importance of meaningful work, and the value of strong leadership. They show us that our values and vision truly connect with people, both inside Basware and beyond.

So if you’re reading this as a future Baswarean, or as someone who once was, know this: You’re always welcome here. And your journey, wherever it leads, will always matter to us.