Rethinking Boomerang Employment in Singapore Biopharmaceutical Sector: An Exploratory Study

Annie Lim Lim; Irfan KHAN; Somayeh Bahmanni

Rethinking Boomerang Employment in Singapore Biopharmaceutical Sector: An Exploratory Study

Annie Lim Lim
, Irfan KHAN
, Somayeh Bahmanni

Research output: A Conference proceeding or a Chapter in Book › Conference contribution › peer-review

Abstract

This study investigates the lived experiences of boomerang employees in Singapore’s biopharmaceutical sector. While existing research emphasizes the strategic value of returnees, less is known about how they interpret exit, reflection, and reintegration. Drawing on qualitative interviews with returnees and HR professionals, early findings reveal that boomerang employment is marked by emotional complexity, evolving identity, and symbolic negotiation. The study frames return as a dynamic process shaped by legacy ties, sensemaking, and organizational discourse. It extends literature on organizational commitment and turnover intention and offers practical guidance for alumni engagement and rehire strategies in knowledge‑intensive contexts.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	38th ANZAM CONFERENCE
Editors	Justine Ferrer, Mike Bengough, Michael Callaghan, Jeff Shao, Zitong Sheng
Publisher	ANZAM
Pages	1-11
Number of pages	11
ISBN (Electronic)	9781764527200
Publication status	Published - 2 Dec 2025
Event	38th ANZAM Conference - Geelong, Australia Duration: 2 Dec 2025 → 4 Dec 2025 https://anzamconference.org/

Conference

Conference	38th ANZAM Conference
Country/Territory	Australia
City	Geelong
Period	2/12/25 → 4/12/25
Internet address	https://anzamconference.org/

Cite this

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title = "Rethinking Boomerang Employment in Singapore Biopharmaceutical Sector: An Exploratory Study",

abstract = "This study investigates the lived experiences of boomerang employees in Singapore{\textquoteright}s biopharmaceutical sector. While existing research emphasizes the strategic value of returnees, less is known about how they interpret exit, reflection, and reintegration. Drawing on qualitative interviews with returnees and HR professionals, early findings reveal that boomerang employment is marked by emotional complexity, evolving identity, and symbolic negotiation. The study frames return as a dynamic process shaped by legacy ties, sensemaking, and organizational discourse. It extends literature on organizational commitment and turnover intention and offers practical guidance for alumni engagement and rehire strategies in knowledge‑intensive contexts.",

keywords = "Boomerang employees, HRM, Talent Management, organizational memory, biopharmaceuticals",

author = "Lim, \{Annie Lim\} and Irfan KHAN and Somayeh Bahmanni",

year = "2025",

month = dec,

day = "2",

language = "English",

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editor = "Ferrer, \{Justine \} and Mike Bengough and Callaghan, \{Michael \} and Jeff Shao and Sheng, \{Zitong \}",

booktitle = "38th ANZAM CONFERENCE",

publisher = "ANZAM",

note = "38th ANZAM Conference ; Conference date: 02-12-2025 Through 04-12-2025",

url = "https://anzamconference.org/",

}

Rethinking Boomerang Employment in Singapore Biopharmaceutical Sector: An Exploratory Study. / Lim, Annie Lim; KHAN, Irfan ; Bahmanni, Somayeh.
38th ANZAM CONFERENCE. ed. / Justine Ferrer; Mike Bengough; Michael Callaghan; Jeff Shao; Zitong Sheng. ANZAM, 2025. p. 1-11 128.

Research output: A Conference proceeding or a Chapter in Book › Conference contribution › peer-review

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AU - KHAN, Irfan

AU - Bahmanni, Somayeh

PY - 2025/12/2

Y1 - 2025/12/2

N2 - This study investigates the lived experiences of boomerang employees in Singapore’s biopharmaceutical sector. While existing research emphasizes the strategic value of returnees, less is known about how they interpret exit, reflection, and reintegration. Drawing on qualitative interviews with returnees and HR professionals, early findings reveal that boomerang employment is marked by emotional complexity, evolving identity, and symbolic negotiation. The study frames return as a dynamic process shaped by legacy ties, sensemaking, and organizational discourse. It extends literature on organizational commitment and turnover intention and offers practical guidance for alumni engagement and rehire strategies in knowledge‑intensive contexts.

AB - This study investigates the lived experiences of boomerang employees in Singapore’s biopharmaceutical sector. While existing research emphasizes the strategic value of returnees, less is known about how they interpret exit, reflection, and reintegration. Drawing on qualitative interviews with returnees and HR professionals, early findings reveal that boomerang employment is marked by emotional complexity, evolving identity, and symbolic negotiation. The study frames return as a dynamic process shaped by legacy ties, sensemaking, and organizational discourse. It extends literature on organizational commitment and turnover intention and offers practical guidance for alumni engagement and rehire strategies in knowledge‑intensive contexts.

KW - Boomerang employees

KW - HRM

KW - Talent Management

KW - organizational memory

KW - biopharmaceuticals

UR - https://anzamconference.org/

M3 - Conference contribution

SP - 1

EP - 11

BT - 38th ANZAM CONFERENCE

A2 - Ferrer, Justine

A2 - Bengough, Mike

A2 - Callaghan, Michael

A2 - Shao, Jeff

A2 - Sheng, Zitong

PB - ANZAM

T2 - 38th ANZAM Conference

Y2 - 2 December 2025 through 4 December 2025

ER -

Rethinking Boomerang Employment in Singapore Biopharmaceutical Sector: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

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