There are many benefits of outplacement services and they are an increasingly important aspect of corporate restructuring and downsizing. Not only do they help to ensure that displaced employees have a smooth transition to new employment, but they can also play a significant role in preserving a company’s reputation and maintaining positive relationships with its former employees.

Before we get into all the benefits, let’s explore outplacement services.

What are Outplacement Services?

Outplacement services, also known as career transition services, refer to the comprehensive support and assistance provided to employees who are facing job loss due to organizational changes. These services are typically offered by specialized firms or agencies, either hired directly by the employer or through a contractual arrangement. The primary goal of outplacement services is to help displaced employees navigate their career transition smoothly and secure new employment opportunities.

When an organization decides to downsize or restructure, it is not uncommon for employees to experience a range of emotions such as anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about their future.

Outplacement services are designed to address these concerns and provide a structured framework to guide individuals through the career transition process. The services offered can vary depending on the specific needs of the employees and the budget allocated by the employer.

Typically, they include various components aimed at empowering individuals to navigate the job market successfully. These components may include:

1. Career Counseling: Experienced career coaches or counselors work closely with displaced employees to assess their skills, interests, and goals. They provide guidance on career exploration, resume writing, interview preparation, and networking strategies. The goal is to help employees identify new career paths and create a personalized job search plan.
   
2. Job Search Assistance: Outplacement services often offer practical support in job searching, including access to job boards, online resources, and networking events. They may also assist with online profile optimization and provide workshops on effective job search techniques, such as leveraging social media platforms and utilizing professional networks.
   
3. Resume and Cover Letter Development: Professional resume writers help employees create tailored resumes and cover letters that highlight their skills, experiences, and achievements. This personalized approach increases the chances of attracting potential employers and securing interviews.
   
4. Interview Coaching: Outplacement services offer interview preparation sessions, including mock interviews, to help employees build confidence and enhance their interview skills. Feedback and guidance are provided to improve responses, body language, and overall presentation during interviews.
   
5. Skill Enhancement: Depending on the specific needs of the employees, outplacement services may offer training programs or workshops to enhance skills that are in demand in the current job market. This can include technical skills, communication skills, or industry-specific knowledge.
   
6. Emotional Support: Coping with job loss can be emotionally challenging. Outplacement services provide a supportive environment where employees can share their concerns, discuss their feelings, and receive guidance on managing stress and anxiety. This emotional support can be instrumental in helping individuals regain their confidence and maintain a positive mindset during their job search.

By investing in outplacement services, employers demonstrate their commitment to supporting their employees beyond the termination process. Offering these services can boost employee morale, maintain a positive employer brand reputation, and minimize the negative impact of layoffs on the overall work environment.

For employees, these services serve as a lifeline during a difficult time. They offer professional guidance, practical resources, and emotional support, empowering individuals to bounce back stronger in their careers. By availing themselves of these services, displaced employees can gain a competitive edge in the job market, increase their chances of finding suitable employment, and accelerate their career transition process.

Now, let’s look at the benefits!

Benefit of Outplacement Services #1: Improve Job Prospects for Laid-off Employees

Outplacement services can provide significant benefits for employees who have been laid off or are facing job loss. One of the key benefits of outplacement services is that it can help employees find new employment faster. Outplacement firms provide various resources and support to help employees navigate the job search process, such as resume and cover letter writing assistance, interview coaching, and access to job listings and networking opportunities. 

Additional benefit of outplacement services is that outplacement firms often have extensive networks and relationships with hiring managers and recruiters, which can give employees an inside track on job openings and increase their visibility in the job market. By providing employees with the support and resources they need to find a new job quickly, and can help ease the transition for both the employee and the company.

According to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), employees with access to outplacement services are more likely to find new employment than those without. In fact, the study found that employees who use outplacement services are 25% more likely to find new jobs within three months.

Benefit of Outplacement Services #2: Mitigate negative effects on company reputation

Another benefit of outplacement services is that they can significantly benefit a company’s reputation in several ways. First, by offering outplacement services to laid-off employees, a company is demonstrating a commitment to the well-being and future success of its former employees. This can significantly improve the company’s reputation as an empathetic and responsible employer. 

Additionally, they can help mitigate negative publicity that may result from layoffs, as it shows that the company is taking proactive steps to support its former employees in finding new employment. 

Furthermore, providing outplacement services can also help build a positive relationship with the remaining employees, showing that the company values their success and well-being. A study by the Boston Consulting Group found that employees who know that their company is providing outplacement services are more likely to feel secure in their jobs and less likely to be negatively affected by the downsizing.

Benefit of Outplacement Services #3: They are Essential to Corporate Restructuring and Downsizing

There are essential to corporate restructuring and downsizing. They can help improve displaced employees’ job prospects, preserve a company’s reputation, and maintain positive relationships with its former employees.

At WeApply Canada, we understand that job loss can be a difficult and stressful experience. That’s why we offer comprehensive outplacement services to help your employees transition to their next career opportunity.

If you’re interested in learning more, contact us here!

Sources:

• Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) study on the effectiveness of outplacement services: https://www.shrm.org/hr-today/news/all-things-work/pages/outskilling.aspx
• Boston Consulting Group study on the effects of outplacement services on the morale and productivity of remaining employees.