The benefits of outplacement services are numerous. Outplacement can reduce your legal risk of dealing with a wrongful termination suit. It bolsters the morale of those who remain. And, outplacement can preserves goodwill. It doesn’t hurt to have a good working relationships with those who leave. (Many of your former employees may go to work for your customers!) . These are all reasons to offer outplacement that benefit the employer.
Many organizations still reserve outplacement services for certain tenure/salary levels or position titles. But that’s a mistake. Everyone you let go deserves a fair chance at getting on their feet faster. Even in a hot job market, when openings are plentiful, people need professional help finding a good job — one that pays well and is a good fit.
Here are 3 reasons why you need to provide outplacement for employees at all career levels with one-on-one career transition coaching after losing their job.
1. Even production workers benefit from outplacement services.
The benefits of outplacement apply to all workers. That’s because many people need help navigating the automation embedded in applicant tracking systems (ATS). Applications that were once completed in person are now almost always online. Résumés are being asked of all career levels and company environments – not just degreed professionals and traditional office settings. Some companies may think production employees and skilled professionals won’t benefit from outplacement services. It’s time to think otherwise.
Often times, it’s production employee populations who benefit the most from expert support and guidance. It’s essential for all employees to familiarize themselves with online application systems and develop a polished résumé or CV for their search. For some, it might be their first time creating a résumé. For others, it might be the first time they have searched for a job in 20+ years. They shouldn’t be overlooked when determining who you will provide with outplacement support.
2. Your company’s brand image is affected by everyone who is let go.
Your brand is affected by what former employees say about you. And it’s worth repeating that many people who leave your organization go to work for others in your industry. You don’t want them taking their grievances with them. The way you handle a reduction in force is an event they comment on to future co-workers, friends, family, and others. And the intensity of their opinions is further intensified via social networks. This also includes Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
It’s a difficult task to conduct involuntary offboarding. But providing tools and resources to help all separated employees says a lot about you as an employer. It also helps you maximize the benefits of outplacement services. Separated employees aren’t the only ones who notice. Your remaining staff will take comfort knowing their colleagues and friends will get back on their feet faster. Your stakeholders and clients will see that you truly care about doing the right thing.
3. Younger employees can’t know it all.
You might assume that because younger employees are often very tech-savvy, they can figure out their job search on their own. But we’ve found that’s seldom the case. People of all ages benefit from outplacement, and in particular, from professional career transition coaching. The world of work is always changing. It’s impossible to stay up-to-date on all tricks, tips, tools, and techniques that need to be integrated for a successful job search. This means the benefits of outplacement services are numerous for them, as well.
Technology is one small piece of a job search. Data shows that other things, such as networking and personal branding, play a more important part in finding and securing an opportunity. Matching junior employees with a dedicated coach sets the stage for a dynamic, holistic approach that will help them land in half the time.
Do the Right Thing for Your Company & All Exiting Employees: Maximize the Benefits of Outplacement
Make sure your severance package includes outplacement services. Don’t leave employees to fend for themselves during a difficult time in their career. Understand the benefits of outplacement services and provide it for every department. Your company’s brand, your exiting employees, and your remaining staff will all benefit from this one decision.
We Deliver the Benefits of Outplacement to Those Around the World
IMPACT Group can serve your local and global needs in outplacement. And we can scale a program to fit your budget — whether you are offboarding one or 1,000! An expert in career transition and outplacement services, we have a solution for every situation. How can we partner with you?
