The Importance of Outplacement Services and How to Communicate Them to Employees

Experiencing a layoff can be a daunting and emotional experience.?Ranked in the top ten of most stressful life events, layoffs can cause psychological trauma for?up to two years after job loss. It is no wonder that layoffs hit so hard; after all, jobs provide purpose and create community, making them an important aspect of one’s identity.??

Amidst the uncertainty and stress, employers often provide outplacement — also called career transition services — to support departing employees. However, many people are hesitant to take advantage of these services, often due to feelings of pride, fear of the unknown or skepticism about their effectiveness. This hesitation can prevent departing employees from accessing valuable resources that can significantly aid in their transition to new employment.

Below, we discuss the key components of outplacement, why affected employees should sign up for outplacement services, how these services can benefit departing employees during this challenging time, and how HR can communicate the availability of these support systems to employees.

What is Outplacement??

Outplacement services are benefits offered by employers to help employees during layoffs. These programs provide a wide range of tools and resources aimed at facilitating career transitions. Typically, these services include personalized career coaching, resumé writing assistance, social media branding guidance, interview preparation, job search resources, emotional support, upskilling and more.?

Employers offer outplacement programs free of charge as an optional part of the offboarding process. When exiting employees choose to participate, they benefit from more compassionate, smoother and quicker transitions to new careers. These supportive services, in turn, reduce the negative impact of job loss, enhancing overall well-being and career success for departing workers.?

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Eight Benefits of Participating in an Outplacement Program

1. Professional Coaching and Career Guidance: One of the primary benefits of outplacement services is access to a career coach who provides professional guidance. Expert career coaches can help individuals assess skills, strengths and career aspirations, providing personalized advice on how to navigate the job market. This guidance can be vital in identifying new career opportunities that align with goals and abilities, helping individuals make informed decisions about your next steps.
2. Resumé and Cover Letter Assistance: Crafting a compelling resumé and cover letter is crucial for standing out in today’s competitive job market. Outplacement services typically include professional resumé writing and cover letter assistance. These experts know what employers are looking for and can help highlight the most relevant skills and experiences, increasing one's chances of landing job interviews.
3. Interview Preparation: Interviewing can be a nerve-wracking process, especially if the individual hasn’t had to do it in a while. Outplacement services often provide interview coaching, including mock interviews and feedback sessions. This preparation can help build confidence, refine your responses and improve overall interview performance, making the individual a more attractive candidate to potential employers.
4. Social Media Branding: Outplacement services help enhance social media branding by providing expert guidance on creating professional profiles and strategically showcasing skills and experiences. This increased online visibility makes the individual more attractive to potential employers and recruiters. With a strong social media presence, one can network more effectively and access a broader range of job opportunities. This targeted approach will help the affected employee land new jobs faster.
5. Access to Job Search Resources: Outplacement programs offer a wealth of job search resources, including access to job boards, networking events and industry contacts. These resources can help identify job openings that may not be advertised publicly and connect with professionals who can provide valuable insights and referrals. Leveraging these resources can significantly enhance an individual's job search efforts and expand their professional network.
6. Emotional Support: Losing a job can take a toll on mental and emotional well-being. Top-quality outplacement providers lead with compassion, providing much-needed support to help affected employees cope with the emotional impact of job loss. Having a supportive environment to share experiences and receive encouragement can make a significant difference in maintaining a positive outlook and staying motivated during the job search.
7. Upskilling: In today’s rapidly changing job market, staying competitive often requires continuous skill development. Outplacement services may offer upskilling opportunities to help acquire new skills or enhance existing ones. These opportunities can make the affected employee more marketable and better prepared for the demands of the modern workforce.
8. Faster Reemployment: One of the most compelling reasons for affected employees to sign up for outplacement services is the potential for faster reemployment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),?the average job seeker takes over 20 weeks to secure a new opportunity. However, Right Management’s internal data shows that?individuals using our outplacement services find new jobs twice as fast?as the BLS average. With professional support, comprehensive resources and targeted training, these programs can significantly speed up the job search and help the individual secure a new position much sooner.?

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4 Key Tips for HR When Offering Outplacement Packages:

• Emphasize the benefits: Clearly communicate the value of outplacement services, including career coaching, resume assistance, and job search support. Highlight how these services can accelerate their job search and improve their chances of finding suitable employment.
• Address concerns: Listen to the employee's specific reservations about the package. Provide honest and transparent answers to their questions and offer additional information or resources to alleviate their concerns.
• Offer flexibility: If possible, provide options within the outplacement package that allow employees to customize the services to their needs. This flexibility can make the package more appealing and relevant to their individual situation.
• Leverage professional expertise from Outplacement Service providers: Collaborate with specialized outplacement firms to access their extensive resources, industry connections, and proven methodologies. These experts can offer valuable insights, personalized guidance, and up-to-date market information, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of the outplacement support provided to transitioning employees.

Sign Up for Outplacement Services Today

While it’s natural to feel hesitant about signing up for outplacement services after a layoff, the benefits far outweigh any reservations you may have. From professional career guidance and resumé assistance to interview preparation and emotional support, outplacement services provide comprehensive support to help you navigate this transition successfully. Embracing these resources can make a significant difference in your job search journey, leading to faster reemployment and a more positive outcome. If you’ve been offered outplacement services, take advantage of them and give yourself the best chance for a successful career transition.

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