In the ever-changing landscape of business, outplacement has become a crucial factor in a company’s long-term success, impacting its reputation and overall standing in the marketplace. How a company handles outplacement significantly influences how it is perceived by top talent and even by employees who remain after workforce changes. Part two of our outplacement story focuses on the individuals who lose their jobs—the ones who embark on a journey to find new opportunities.
1. Good Outplacement Cultivates a Healthy Perspective
Losing a job is a complex and emotionally challenging experience. It upends a person’s social and economic status, often leaving them feeling embarrassed and lacking confidence. Financial stability may be at risk, and competition in the job market can seem overwhelming. A thoughtful outplacement program can help departing employees transition with optimism, encouraging them to look forward to their future rather than dwell on bitterness. Skilled outplacement partners work with the employee and their partners to expedite the healing process and embrace new opportunities.
2. Faster Re-Employment for Outplaced Employees
The anxiety of job loss diminishes when a new and promising opportunity emerges. This highlights the importance of effective coaching on productive job searches. Equipped with strong job searching skills, individuals experience better outcomes. Collaborating with a skilled career coach can reduce the time spent searching for a new job by nearly half. Outplacement specialists possess the experience and connections necessary to facilitate smoother transitions, leading to happier ex-employees and an enhanced company reputation.
3. Acknowledging the Human Side of Job Loss
Losing a job is a profound personal loss, one that employers should never underestimate. Even under amicable circumstances, the void left by job loss is significant. The familiar routine of waking up to a purposeful day with emails to check and calls to return suddenly disappears. For many, their identity is closely tied to their professional role, making job loss feel like losing a part of themselves. It can take weeks or even months to adjust, especially for long-term employees. Recognising the human aspect of this experience is crucial for the well-being of the organisation, as companies are ultimately comprised of people.
4. Providing a Supportive Outlet for Venting
Dedicated outplacement programs offer emotional coaching and create a supportive community for job seekers. It becomes a safe space for open discussions about challenges and concerns. Outplacement professionals often have extensive networks in the recruitment industry, making their connections valuable assets. However, their primary role is to empower outplaced workers, helping them regain control and market themselves effectively.
Riding Into the Sunset
An outplaced employee who feels valued and supported as they ride off into new opportunities benefits everyone involved. The individual gains confidence, finds better opportunities, and embraces a positive outlook. This value extends to the job marketplace, the next employer, and ultimately, the former employer. Implementing strong outplacement practices is not only responsible, but it also proves profitable. Whether pre-pandemic or post-pandemic, the importance of effective outplacement remains constant.
Stay tuned for part three of our outplacement story… where we’ll explore the experiences of workplace survivors.
To learn more about outplacement, connect with Merran.