What is outplacement and why is it important for both the employee and the employer?

Changes in the labour market and the need to restructure the organization often lead to difficult decisions regarding employment reduction. In such situations, responsible employers reach for a tool that alleviates the effects of separation from an employee - outplacement. This solution not only makes it easier for dismissed people to find a new job, but also brings many benefits to employers.

What is outplacement and why is it important for both the employee and the employer?

Dismissing an employee is never pleasant for both the employee and the employer. Increasingly, employers wanting to ensure the employee's best possible return to the labor market decide to use the outplacement service, i.e. monitored dismissals. Outplacement is a support that employers offer dismissed employees to make it easier for them to go through the difficult period of searching for new employment. Outplacement is a tool that is primarily intended to provide the dismissed person with the necessary support - both psychological and substantive. Consciously used, it can significantly alleviate the effects of the dismissal process and shorten the period of searching for a new job. It may include various services, such as career counselling, CV creation and interview preparation training, assistance in building a network of professional contacts, and career coaching.

Many laid-off employees need help finding new employment. This group primarily includes employees with many years of experience who must adapt to the rules of the market again.

Employees participating in outplacement can count on, among others, help in:

• detailed analysis of their competencies - many employees are not aware of the qualifications and skills they have acquired in their careers to date.
• writing/editing their CV - a well-written CV significantly improves the effectiveness of searching for a new job.
• identifying potential companies to which they can apply - laid-off employees should be informed about the current situation on the labour market. Only comprehensive knowledge in this field will help them find their way in the new situation.
• preparation for job interviews - employees should be prepared for questions that may be asked during a job interview, to reduce stress during the interview to a minimum.
• building a network of business contacts – many people who are laid off can find new employment thanks to business contacts – obtained, for example, through LinkedIn.
• building self-worth and developing a career path – people looking for a job should not see themselves only as another candidate, but as experienced specialists who are able to bring new values to the company.

A well-conducted outplacement will give the employee, above all, the feeling that they have not been left alone in such a difficult situation. It can also be an opportunity to work on themselves and set their next professional goals. It often happens that a layoff is an impulse for an employee to change profession and start a new career path.

Outplacement from an employer's perspective...

From an employer's perspective, outplacement is an investment in building a positive brand and relationships with both current and future employees. By offering outplacement a company can gain:

1. Protection of the company's image Image protection - caring for the well-being of employees in difficult situations can improve the company's perception on the market, which in the future can attract talent and present the company in a good light in the eyes of current employees.

2. Better relations with departing employees - employees who receive support leave the company in a better mood, which can prevent negative opinions or conflicts.

3. Reducing stress and uncertainty in the team - transparent communication and support for dismissed employees positively affect the morale of those who remain in the company.

Every outplacement process should start with preparing the management staff, who will be responsible for the dismissal process in a given organization. Cpl clients, deciding on this form of support for their employees, can count on professional preparation and planning of activities for the management staff in terms of communication and difficult conversations with employees.

Cpl, as an experienced recruitment company, offers comprehensive outplacement programs tailored to the individual needs of both the employer and the employee. Our approach includes:

• Individual outplacement - recommended in particular for participants from the specialist level and middle and senior management staff.
• Group outplacement - including group workshops preparing participants of the process to quickly find a new job. Cpl offers its clients, among others, training in dealing with difficult emotions, building self-awareness of one's own potential and motivation, recruitment interviews without secrets and other workshops tailored to the group of participants.

Outplacement is a step towards responsible restructuring, which not only helps employees in difficult moments but also builds positive experiences in the end. It is worth noting that the outplacement process is a very complex tool that should be thoroughly prepared with the support of consultants experienced in this type of project. Each time, the outplacement program must be prepared for the needs of the person being laid off or the specifics of the group being laid off. Outplacement consultants prepare a detailed analysis of the company profile and the needs and aspirations of the people being laid off. These activities allow for effective adjustment of training tools that will be able to support the employee in planning a new career path. This is a process through which laid-off employees are guided step by step.

By deciding to cooperate with Cpl, you provide your team with the highest level of support. If you want to learn more about our outplacement services at Cpl, please contact us!