In today’s economy, layoffs are a complicated yet frequent occurrence. For any employer, careful planning and flawless implementation after an employee is released are necessary to prevent the erosion of business as well as the organization’s standing in the community.
For displaced employees, high levels of unemployment leave many feeling that they have few options for future employment or worse, feeling that their careers have actually been derailed. For remaining employees, uncertainty levels can rise significantly while productivity levels may decline considerably (Career Partners International).
Overall, these situations can leave many individuals, whether they are leaving or staying, with a sense of frustration, fear, and anxiety.
It’s never easy to let an employee go, but how you handle the transition process can significantly impact your employer brand. This is when outplacement services become very important.
What is Outplacement?
Outplacement provides former employees structure and guidance towards their new career option. Additionally, it preserves the morale of those who remain with the company who see that colleagues are given the necessary support when they leave.
Outplacement is either delivered through individual sessions or in a group format. Topics generally include career guidance, career evaluation, job search skills, targeting the job market, resume writing, interview preparation, developing networks, and even negotiation when it comes to salary and benefits of new hires.
Consultants support individuals seeking a new job, and also those looking to start a new business, retire, or structure a portfolio of activities. Most outplacement programs have time limits, ranging from a few months to more extended periods, such as 12 months, and are offered at all levels of the organization.
A consultancy firm usually provides the outplacement services (which are paid for by the former employer) and the service is done through practical advice, training materials, and workshops. Some companies may even offer psychological support to anyone affected by a lay-off.
Why is it important?
When dealing with the loss of an employee, you should first ask yourself a question: are you doing everything you can to help them through this potentially troubling time?
Simply put, outplacement services provide the practical and emotional specialist and career coaching support that enable an individual to navigate the competitive job market and move into appropriate new employment as soon as possible (Personal Care Management). Career transition services like these are invaluable to any current or former employees because they ready people for new jobs, whether they are in a similar field or a completely different one.
From a brand perspective, it’s important to cover all of your bases. If a former employee feels neglected in any way after a job separation or thinks that they were taken for granted, they may feel the need to lash out and attempt to soil the reputation of your company via social media or any professional or personal review websites. While what they might say may, in fact, be inaccurate or simply untrue, it’s still very damaging and unlimited viewers are exposed to it.
Furthermore and from a personal standpoint, employees are human and oftentimes, they are let go for reasons beyond their control. In that regard, it’s quite appropriate to do everything in a company’s power to ensure that they are taken care of after they are no longer working for you. This goes beyond simply assisting in their job search but also counseling them and helping them emotionally.
Proper outplacement helps transitioning employees understand that career changes don’t have to be career-ending. Luckily, an increasing number of employers are now offering this crucial service to both former and current employees alike.
With nearly three decades of industry experience, MedReps’ career transition coaching provides inside knowledge to assist healthcare sales professionals with resumes, cover letters, and even preparing for future medical sales interviews. Contact us today to get started or to learn more about our custom outplacement services.
