Layoffs: How outplacement transforms the layoff experience

Many companies have had to announce layoffs, pointing to the increasing demand for workforce management. For instance, Intel is set to lay off more than 20% of its workforce to simplify its operations and Google, Amazon and Salesforce have also reduced the staff in line with broader cost cutting plans. With thousands of employees around the world being laid off, outplacement services have become a great solution for companies seeking to assist their departing staff.

Outplacement services can typically provide career coaching, job search services, emotional support and people who can meet or bend with employers, all to help people more successfully transition into new positions. Where there is no communication for employers, this protects the brand reputation, preserves morale of remaining staff and is an indication of a serious outlook to practice responsible and ethical workforce management during rough times.

Companies across industries are using outplacement firms to help employees who are being laid off. The demand for this trend is growing rapidly and leading career transition providers such as Persolkelly Consulting, LHH, Right Management India and ABC Consultants have reported a 20 – 40% increase in demand over the past one year. Production sectors that have gone through intense digital transformation and structural changes, particularly technology, banking, manufacturing, retail and pharmaceuticals are part of the surge.

Outplacement or Career transition assistance 

Outplacement or Career transition assistance is a service and most organisations provide this to their laid off staff, as they need to take care of their employees as well after their removal from the organisation. Outplacement is a service provided by companies to those employees who lose their jobs to help them find a new job.

These services typically include:

●    Job search support and access to job listings
●    CV and cover letter writing
●    Interview preparation and coaching
●    Personal branding and networking strategies
●    Emotional support and resilience training
●    Guidance on targeting prospective employers

The aim is to make the process easier and get affected staff back into the workforce.

Why is outplacement gaining popularity?

With companies looking for more responsible ways to manage workforce changes in layoffs, restructuring or downsizing, outplacement is becoming more popular. Employers can go about these transitions in a humane way and protect their reputation as fair and caring organisations by offering outplacement services. It also lowers the legal risks and is a sign of a strong corporate social responsibility. Today’s workforce expects more from their companies. While exiting a company, outplacement fills this expectation with practical job search assistance and emotional support. Further, with industries moving towards automation, digitalisation, and shifting of global forces, redundancies in jobs are also getting common thus, making career transition services more important than ever.

How does outplacement work?

The outplacement service can cost anywhere from Rs.30,000 to Rs.4 lakh per employee, depending on seniority and the level of support required. These services can be delivered in person, virtually, or some kind of hybrid so that they can be made available and flexible for different circumstances.

Is outplacement worth considering for employees?

Outplacement services are a valuable support to employees who are facing job loss. Individuals are usually more confident and ready to rejoin the job market with expert tips on finding a job, how to write a CV and how to undertake interviews. In addition to providing practical help, personal coaching and training assist emotional well being to help someone who has lost a job to cope with a stressful and uncertain situation.

Many outplacement firms provide access to a vast professional system, where new possibilities arise in the form of links with recruiters and companies. Employees should make the most out of outplacement by fully engaging with all available resources, keeping an open mind to new roles or industries, focusing on developing new skills through training programmes and prioritising their mental well being by taking advantage of the emotional support available.

Outplacement is becoming the new norm for appropriate career transition, and it is good for both employers and employees. Employees facing layoffs can view these services as a great way to advance with expert advice and assistance as more businesses invest in them.

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