The modern business world has changed. In today’s environment, it is not enough to have a good product or service; you must also have the ability to adapt and pivot with the changing tides of business.
The best companies, currencies, and products become obsolete over time. As a result, the best companies are those that have been able to keep up with the changes, and adapt to them. In outplacement consulting, we help our clients to adapt, and pivot so that they can keep up with the changing tides.
That’s a great question – and one that I often ask myself about my company’s own services. I’m pretty sure that 70% of all the people who come into the client services area of a business, get there because they are or have been fired from their job. And why would they be there – if it wasn’t because they were in trouble? So how do we help those people, get them back into work quickly, and get them up to speed with everything they need to know to help their business succeed? There is a common misconception that outplacement services are only for executives who have been fired from their companies. This is simply not true. There are hundreds of reasons a Business Owner or Manager may seek the services of an outplacement firm. These reasons can range from a change in job function to a company reorganization.
Over the past 12 months, businesses large and small have fallen on hard times and many have had to lay off staff. If you find yourself in a difficult situation, you may have to say goodbye to some of your team members in order to keep the doors of your business open, no matter how difficult that decision is. Fortunately, outplacement companies come to the rescue. They help workers make a more efficient transition to a new job and can help companies that are laying them off. Learn more about the basics of outplacement services to see if it’s worth investing in this year.
How outplacement works
This term refers to services provided by companies that specialize in helping individuals or groups prepare for, find, and obtain new employment following a downsizing or unexpected unemployment. Companies hire outplacement companies to work with people they need to lay off. Outplacement service providers can take on a variety of tasks as part of their job, helping both individuals and groups, for example, when a company needs to lay off dozens or even hundreds of employees at once. Specialists help new job seekers develop a plan for their future, write updated resumes and other job application materials, make contacts, practice interviewing, and choose from a variety of job opportunities. Sometimes they also help employees negotiate working conditions when they start a new job.
Main reasons for using outplacement service providers
There are numerous reasons to use outplacement service providers for your business. For example, it makes departing employees more dignified and respectful and helps them deal with the shock of leaving. In most cases, this allows employees to find new jobs more quickly and easily, which means less stress and guilt for you and less anxiety and frustration for those you fire. When you offer outplacement services to former employees, you increase the likelihood that they will speak positively rather than negatively about your company afterwards. You don’t want your company’s reputation to be tarnished by former employees speaking ill of you and your brand in the industry. Sometimes companies have to downsize and say goodbye to employees they would rather not let go for financial reasons. In such a situation, it is helpful to maintain a good relationship with these people so that you can re-hire them or work with them in the future. After all, no one wants to burn bridges unnecessarily.
You should consider using outplacement services to reduce the risk of legal action against your company by disgruntled former employees. Outplacement professionals help people cope with the loss of their jobs faster and can even help them find a better job as soon as possible, which is why people are usually not as upset about their layoffs. This can give you some protection from liability. The list of benefits of using outplacement services would not be complete without mentioning the employees you retain. Your current team may feel frustrated, anxious, stressed, unmotivated, angry, etc. when their colleagues are laid off. However, these negative feelings can be tempered when they see managers helping their former employees by providing access to outplacement services. Your employees will likely feel more appreciated and cared for if they know you are taking the best possible care of them.
Tips for choosing the right outplacement company for your needs
If you know that you may need to hire an outplacement specialist in the coming months, it is important to find a company that meets your needs. When you start looking for companies, price will be at the top of your list. This is important, but make sure you read the rates carefully and check that each package has the same features so you can compare prices properly. However, in addition to cost, many other factors play a role. For example, inquire about the experience of various organizations in the field of outplacement and ask them if they are specialized in this area or if it is a small part of their activities. Inquire about the scope of services they offer, the customization they provide, and the qualifications of their outplacement staff. Ask how and when payments are made, and what the company’s track record is with previous customers. Firing employees is always a difficult part of a manager’s job, and most people dread it. However, knowing that you can offer your employees outplacement assistance will definitely lower your stress levels and lead to better results for both your company and your former employees.
Interesting articles on this topic: What is downsizing? Reasons why companies are reducing their workforceWhen a business owner or manager is downsized, the process of exiting the company is complex. In many cases, the employee has to deal with severance, relocation, and other issues that will lead to the loss of income and severance benefits. Outplacement services can help a company and its former employees with the transition to the new job.. Read more about outplacement examples and let us know what you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would a company provide outplacement assistance to an employee?
The number of companies offering outplacement services has been growing in the last few years. The purpose of these services is to help laid-off employees transition into the next phase of their careers. The total number of outplacement companies has doubled since 2000, with the total cost of the services reaching almost $3.4 billion. While business owners and managers have a right to ask questions about these services, they should be careful about the answers they get. As an employer, you want to ensure your employees are able to find a job that is a good fit for them, and that they are able to take full advantage of the career development opportunities available to them. This is where outplacement services come in. These services help employees find new jobs, and they help them make the transition to their new jobs.
What do outplacement services do?
The traditional method of removing a former employee from a company usually results in a legally binding discharge. This action, however, is not always the best course of action for a business. Many business owners lose employees for the wrong reasons or get them terminated without cause. This can lead to a legal dispute which can be expensive as well as an overall bad reputation for your business. Nothing ruins a career faster than unplanned layoffs and downsizing. Outplacement services help business owners and managers deal with these situations so they can focus on their business, their employees, and their customers.
What elements are typically included in outplacement services?
Employers often hire outplacement services to assist with job loss, and to help the business owner transition to a new position. The outplacement service will ensure the business owner has access to all of the resources that are necessary to make the transition as smooth as possible. If the business owner has any questions about the position or the transition process, they may contact the outplacement service for answers. Outplacement services can be defined as the practice of providing a job transition for individuals who have been laid off or have lost their jobs. The people who are employed by the companies may be involved in a job change through being promoted, being transferred, and/or through termination of employment.
