for those we had to leave behind…

2020 – a year like no-other, particularly for the talent mobility industry supporting organisations and their employees in outplacement programs. We supported over 270 organisations with tech-empowered coaching, facilitation, resume-writing, and job search. As I reflected on the year’s results, one of the statistics jumped out at me: our engagement rate was 80%.

80% is well above industry standard. 80% means that 4 out of 5 employees we contacted took up the RiseSmart support on offer. They responded to our outreach call and the mental-health check in. They embraced the individual coaching, refreshed their personal branding, and worked towards their chosen outcome such as a new role, retirement, a board position or starting their own business.

I am proud that we engaged 4 out of 5 people, but I am concerned about the one in 5 that we left behind. Our outreach team make multiple attempts and use various touchpoints to encourage every employee who is offered a Randstad RiseSmart program by their employer to take it up. And yet, some don’t. For some, there can be extenuating circumstances. Some are lucky to be moving to a new role straight away, and perhaps can’t see the value in taking up the program. I’ve been in this industry for over 22 years, and I am still curious about why this ‘gift’ is left untouched, unopened. Coaching, personal branding and the opportunity to upskill and reskill, is valuable at every stage and age. And it is a gift that keeps giving, with lifetime alumni membership.

RiseSmart’s mission is to support each individual from beginning to beginning. I am passionate about this. My team of over 300 experts across Asia Pacific, and the wider Global team are passionate about this. The choice to participate is a personal one. There is no judgement, just disappointment that we didn’t get to support those who 'opted out' to get the outcome they wanted. So, this is like a letter for those we had to leave behind.

achieving outcomes

RiseSmart’s potent combination of personalised, expert coaching and resume writing powered by a technology platform which includes semantic job search and networking gets results. 71% of employees landed a role or achieved their goal in an average of 84 days. In a pandemic year, we were thrilled for these participants – many coming from FMCG, Manufacturing, Mining & Construction, IT&T (somewhat surprisingly) and retail and hospitality (unsurprisingly). The team of hundreds of RiseSmart experts cheer each individual to achieve their outcome faster, smarter and easier.

“While I was sceptical at the beginning of the process as to how much benefit I would get out of the outplacement program, RiseSmart has proven to be an extremely valuable resource that has really helped guide me through my job-search process. The structure, process, tools/templates - and excellent coach - have all helped to make transitioning to a new role reasonably seamless despite the Covid-19 backdrop.”

not being alone

RiseSmart offers an extensive series of workshops covering job search, transferable skills, applying for non-government roles through to understanding gender pay equity. Even with the necessary pivot to 100% virtual from a hybrid approach in 2020, participants valued the inherent networking of these sessions. The experiences that participants share around any of the topics resonate and they find the common ground – realising they are not alone. During the heights of the pandemic, this point of connection was even more highly valued. The support of the coaching team and newfound colleagues is an important psychological factor in achieving the career outcome that you want. We find this to be true for all of our participants at any age or stage.

“I just attended my first webinar through the portal. It was about networking …the content was really valuable, the technology worked perfectly, and I have made two new contacts as a result of the breakout groups. I will definitely be attending more of these in future. I have already signed up for another session about how to use LinkedIn next week.”

becoming your better self

The RiseSmart experience gives each participant the opportunity to make improvements in any area of their life – relationships, money, identity and personal brand, wellbeing – and of course, work. Even if an individual doesn’t feel they need career support – a RiseSmart program offers more. Professional branding is not just about a resume – it includes repositioning yourself in the market and using this career turning point to refresh and present your best self. Producing a sharper LinkedIn profile – shaped by a professional brand expert can extend your networks and create opportunities previously unimagined.

“You’ve really nailed it – I loved the wording you’ve used to transform me into a health worker from a TV professional. THANK YOU!! I know it wouldn’t have been easy! Thank you again for your work on this – it’s beyond appreciated”

A RiseSmart program gives each employee the opportunity to upskill their existing skillset or reskill for a change in role. There are more than 20 000 business and tech-related courses in our learning hub, plus additional guidance from a certified learning advisor to help participants stay on track to reach their learning goals. Our aim is to create value for each participant. Even when you don’t feel you need the job search support or the resume service, there is the chance to update your skills, at no cost to you.

evidence based success

I want to leave you with one final statistic from 2020. Our participants consistently rate their RiseSmart experience highly. It hovers between 98 – 99% in the overall satisfaction score with nearly as many saying they are likely to recommend a RiseSmart program to their colleagues. As the Managing Director, this fills me with enormous professional pride and an unshakeable belief in the value of our support.

I am shooting for the stars. I want 100% of employees offered a RiseSmart program to take it up, knowing that there will be value in it, whatever their age, stage, or circumstance. We are here to support your new beginning, and the next one, and the next one.