When companies are faced with the challenge of downsizing or restricting, employees are at the front of some difficult and emotional times. Whether you are the employee who will get to stay or you are on the receiving front, having the best outplacement program is key to the success of both employees and employers.
For employees, it can be a difficult and emotional time for both the who are being let go and the remaining staff. Companies can help their employees during difficult times by providing support and resources.
Having the right outplacement program can be beneficial for employers and employees during these difficult times, which can positively impact both the employees and the company. This can help alleviate these fears by providing support and resources to employees affected.
CEO at SocialSharings, Daniyal Sanaullah, agrees that outplacement programs can be extremely beneficial for both.
“When we’ve had to implement layoffs or downsizing, offering outplacement support has helped ease the transition for our departing employees.”
What’s an Outplacement Program?
An outplacement program, also known as career transition services or job placement, is a service provided by companies to assist employees who have been laid off or are facing redundancy. These programs aim to help employees find new employment opportunities and provide them with the necessary tools and support to transition into a new career successfully.
Outplacement programs are designed to support employees in their career transition by providing a range of services, including career counselling, job search assistance, resume writing, and interview preparation. These programs are typically offered by companies as part of their dismissal package or as a standalone service.
Outplacement Services Benefits for Employees
Not everyone who is affected by this big change will be happy. Everyone affected will experience it differently. Some people might be able to see it coming, while others come as a surprise. UX Content Wizard and Brand Developer Sarah Russo experienced exactly that when she was caught by surprise:
“I was working on a task my boss had asked me to do the evening before, and we actually had a recurring meeting for a task we worked on together in the next like 20 minutes. They asked me to come down early, so I grabbed my laptop, said I’d be back to the team, and walked into them with HR. I never went back up. I was very caught off guard, which meant I internalised during the redundancy meeting at times as I was too busy thinking ‘what the heck is happening in my mind.”
Some people might see a redundancy as an opportunity for something new. To take on a new path or to follow your new passion or side hustle. Sarah did exactly that. Even though it came as a surprise her redundancy, she was ready to take charge of her own future.
“I was with the business for more than 7 years and had taken on many roles. The last year had left me feeling like it may have been time to move on, but I was on the fence still, so the actual redundancy itself was actually very relieving.”
1. Emotional Support
Losing a job can be a traumatic experience, often leaving employees feeling lost, confused, and uncertain about their future. An outplacement program offers emotional support to help employees cope with the emotional toll of job loss. By providing a safe space for employees to express their feelings and concerns, an outplacement program can help them regain their confidence and motivation.
In 2019, I was made redundant with the whole team at a local business on the Gold Coast. They made the decision to let us go. At the time, sadness and stress were the feelings that I mostly experienced. However, the support of a career coach, which was offered by the business, was extremely helpful.*
2. Career Guidance and Coaching
One of the key benefits of an outplacement program is the career guidance and coaching it provides. An experienced career coach can help employees identify their skills, strengths, and interests and guide them towards suitable career paths. They can also assist with resume writing, interview preparation, and networking strategies, giving employees a competitive edge in the job market, which can significantly increase the chances of employees finding new employment quickly and successfully.
Sarah was offered an outplacement package from the business, which included career guidance and coaching. “In my redundancy pack, there was a lot of documentation to support and guide me in how I may be feeling and additional support if I needed it. I did intend on doing some sessions, but I decided I was actually in a good place. Within a week, I’d actually started my own business.”
3. Access to Job Opportunities
Another significant advantage of an outplacement program is the access it provides to job opportunities. These programs often have established relationships with employers and recruitment agencies, giving employees access to a wider range of job openings. This can greatly increase the chances of employees finding suitable job opportunities that align with their skills and experience.
4. Networking Opportunities
Networking is a crucial aspect of job searching, and an outplacement program can provide employees with valuable networking opportunities. By expanding their professional network, employees can tap into hidden job markets and gain insights into the latest industry trends.
Outplacement Services Benefits for Companies
1. Protecting Company Reputation
Implementing an outplacement program can help companies protect their reputation and maintain positive relationships with their employees. By providing support and resources to employees during a difficult transition, companies show that they value their employees and care about their well-being. This can help mitigate negative feelings and potential backlash from employees who have been let go, reducing the risk of negative reviews.
2. Boosting Employee Morale
Downsizing or restructuring can have a significant impact on the morale of the remaining staff. Implementing an outplacement program can help boost employee morale by showing that the company is committed to supporting its employees, even during challenging times. This can improve employee loyalty, motivation, and productivity, ultimately benefiting the company’s bottom line.
“It shows that we care about their well-being and future career prospects, which can improve morale among the remaining staff. Outplacement services also assist our former employees in finding new opportunities, which is a win-win.” Daniyal Sanaullah
3. Retaining Talent
When employees see that their company is committed to helping them transition into new careers, they are more likely to view the company positively and consider returning in the future if opportunities arise. This can help companies retain valuable talent and reduce the costs associated with recruiting and training new employees.
Outplacement Program – Where To Now?
Implementing an outplacement program can bring numerous benefits to both employees and companies. For employees, it provides emotional support, career guidance, access to job opportunities, networking opportunities, and continued professional development. For companies, it helps protect their reputation, boost employee morale, and retain talent.
Get Outplacement Services ready with Career Stylr in 3 ways:
- Learn More About Career Stylr’s Outplacement Program – Turn goodbyes into new opportunities. Ready for a transformation? Click Here
- Follow Pam Foster’s LinkedIn Profile Now – Click Here
- Grab your FREE Career Pivot Roadmap eBook – Click here
*My personal experience – Camila Griffin
