Outplacement
Experiencing a layoff can be incredibly challenging. Not only does it result in a loss of income, but it can also feel like losing a sense of identity and a community of colleagues. The uncertainty around what to do next can be overwhelming for the affected employees.
For managers, letting go of employees can be a difficult and unpleasant task. However, some measures can be taken to make the process as positive as possible. Providing outplacement services is an essential component of ensuring that employees are terminated with dignity and can take a positive step forward in their careers.
But why is it important to invest in the well-being of former employees who are no longer part of your organization? It goes beyond the individual employees themselves. It also impacts your company's reputation and brand, as well as the employees who remain with the organization.
Providing assistance is the appropriate action to take for the well-being of the employees.
Outplacement services empower laid-off employees: To move on faster to the next stage in their professional lives. You give them the tools to define their passions, direct their next steps, and become hired again typically sooner than if outplacement was not provided.
Outplacement coaching is invaluable: Especially for people who have been out of the job market for a while. If you’re in the position of laying off longtime employees, it’s more than likely they’re not up on the latest job search trends, don’t know the importance of LinkedIn, have never heard of Glassdoor, and have no idea how to structure their time in transition.
Outplacement speeds up the job search process and good outplacement also supports those with more difficult transitions: It’s vital to support those with more challenging searches, not just the people who land the fastest. For instance, changing industries can be difficult and time-consuming. Longer duration outplacement plans are a great thing. And since more progressive outplacement solutions, like Get Five, have untethered their plans from real estate, longer duration doesn’t need to mean out of the budget.
No cost to employees: When people lose their jobs, reduced income is a main concern. Fortunately, outplacement services are complimentary to employees. Employers pay for these services.
Providing structure is important: Getting your resume out is not the first step of a smart job search. Those that take the time to assess their direction and create a robust list of targets are going to be in better shape.
Resume and profile coaching: Finding the voice of your resume is a lot easier when there is clarity on your targets. If it’s been a while since your employees have been in the job market, outplacement coaches can help create documents that highlight the appropriate skills in a modern, professional format and speak directly to the opportunities.
Providing structure is important: Getting your resume out is not the first step of a smart job search. Those that take the time to assess their direction and create a robust list of targets are going to be in better shape.
Interview preparation: Interviewing for a new job can be nerve-racking. Outplacement coaches help people prepare by going over answers to common and difficult questions and software can help you shave off a few “ums, likes and ye knows”.
Career insight: Losing a job might be the impetus for a career change. If people want to shift focus, outplacement services can help them learn more about their talents and passions so they can confidently choose the right career path.
Networking advice: Everyone knows networking is a key component of getting a new job, but how exactly do you do it? Outplacement services offer guidance, embracing the most effective networking strategies.
Positive reinforcement: Losing the job can make people feel anxious. A job search that drags them out can make them feel depressed. Outplacement services are like having a best friend who is always there as a sounding board to help people vent concerns and then give you a boost of positive feedback so you can keep your eye on the prize.
Outplacement is good for your business
A strong employer brand is critical to attracting the best talent, and in this job market, it means more than ever. By ensuring that your exiting employees are immediately focusing on their careers, rather than their frustrations at being let go, you’ll substantially reduce the adverse impact on your social reputation. How? Today, disgruntled employees who are upset about a layoff aren’t just complaining to friends and family. They’re posting on social media, ripping you on Glassdoor, and doing tangible damage to your employer brand in the process. And make no mistake about it, when you’re trying to attract top talent, those bad reviews and comments on social media matter. Our surveys show that the right approach to outplacement reduces reputational fallout significantly.
It creates security for survivors and preserves the culture
It’s not just about the employees you’re laying off. It’s about the ones who remain, too. Layoffs cause a lot of anxiety among survivors who wonder if they’re next. Knowing their colleagues got help finding new jobs does a lot to calm those fears. And it creates loyalty, too, when they see you doing right by their friends and colleagues.
When advanced notice is possible, allow exiting employees to begin using outplacement services while still at their jobs — the period when they’re at their most marketable. They are far better prepared to hit the ground running when their employment ends and more likely to remain willing ambassadors of their previous employer’s brand, endorsing their company online and among their peers, or at least standing neutral. Many scenarios don’t allow for this. But, there is always room for high-touch handling of offboarding in these sensitive situations.
Invest in the success of your exiting employees and watch your employer brand thrive.
- Protect your Glassdoor ratings
- Strengthen your brand reputation
- Provide a soft landing
Discover how our outplacement services can benefit your company
