With technological advances and modern workplace trends, layoffs are an unfortunate but inevitable reality for many businesses.
There’s a lot to think about when letting go of employees. Aside from considering the employee’s well-being, you also have to consider your brand and reputation, legal issues, and your current workers.
For this reason, many companies decide to invest in outplacement services, which offer a variety of support and resources for employees and businesses dealing with job termination.
If you’re considering the investment, read on as we discuss outplacement services more in-depth and the benefits they offer.
What Are Outplacement Services
Outplacement services are coaching programs that aid separated employees in their new job search. They provide a variety of resources and support, including assessing goals, aiding in resume writing and job applications, and help individuals create a strong online marketing strategy to help get noticed by potential employers.
These services are typically paid for by the employer and are offered to exiting employees due to layoffs or other termination.
The end goal of outplacement services is to help individuals find and secure jobs quicker. It also helps to take the emotional, mental, and physical stress out of the job search.
Let’s take a look at some of the benefits outplacement services can offer to businesses.
Maintain Healthy Relationships with Ex-Employees
It’s important to maintain healthy relationships with ex-employees. After all, they talk to others. You want to let them off as gently as possible, letting them know that you care for their well-being from the beginning to the end.
You want them to feel supported and cared for during a difficult time. For example, Resume Pilots outplacement services offer individualized solutions to aid the employee in their job search. This makes it much more likely that the employee will leave on good terms with your business and avoid negative talk that could damage your reputation.
Protect Your Company From Liability
When laying off employees, there’s always the risk of them seeking out legal action and lawsuits. This can become very expensive for your company, not to mention undermine your reputation.
Utilizing outplacement services to help your employees get on their feet quickly reduces the risk of them taking legal action. Aside from outplacement services, it’s important to take precautions and conduct layoffs appropriately to avoid lawsuits.
Gain Support in Dealing with Current Employees
It’s important to offer support to your current employees during the difficult time of layoffs or terminations. Anxiety can get high and workloads are heavier.
Outplacement services often support you in your quest to support and retain current employees. They offer expert advice on dealing with the anxieties and worries that surface post layoff. This type of service is imperative for employee productivity and retention.
Protect Your Business Brand
A company’s brand says a lot about who they are and what values they hold. And nowadays, brand image is everything. If you don’t handle layoffs correctly, you risk damaging your image.
Investing in outplacement services shows that your brand is true to its vision. It shows the value you put on your employees, not just as workers but as individuals. It also shows the resources you possess to connect your employees with the support they need.
Invest in Your Employees
Employees that are laid off need a lot more than severance packages. They require an abundance of support, both emotional and practical, for the rocky and unknown road ahead.
Outplacement services offer a variety of resources for laid-off employees, including job coaching, resume writing, advice for application and interviews, and much more. It can make their transition much easier and less scary.
