Organizations often need to downsize, the reasons for which may not be in their control. However, layoffs and terminations are stressful for both employees and employers.
Fortunately, outplacement can help employees cope with the loss and protect the image and reputation of the employer as well. The biggest challenge for an employer is maintaining the reputation of their brands when layoffs are unavoidable. With something as important as the company image at stake, partnering with a third party is an investment that pays off in the long run. That’s when outplacement services come in.
If you are an employer or an employee, it really is important to understand what is included in outplacement services before you hire a firm or participate in their programs. So, let us find out what it is and how it benefits both employers and employees.
What is outplacement service?
The last thing that any employee wants is to be terminated from a job. Similarly, employers are at a loss on how to break the news to them. Outplacement goes beyond the severance package to assist both parties to move through this rough phase. Sometimes, companies offer the services in-house, but hiring a third-party firm becomes essential when the tensions prevail high or the expenses need to be kept low.
Outplacement is a service that helps laid-off employees transition to a new career. It is an employer-sponsored benefit offered to the departing workers. It is usually a part of offboarding and offered along with the severance package. The services offered with outplacement leverage improving the skills of the terminated employees and streamline the path of re-employment. Therefore, from the perspective of an employer and an employee, knowing what is included in outplacement services eases the situation.
Services included in outplacement
What is included in outplacement services? The process typically involves the following steps and may vary based on the service provider.
Assessing the employees
When departing employees join hands with an outplacement company, the first step for the coach is to assess them. That is why they explore the career goals and skills of those individuals. Besides, the outplacement experts also try to find out the desired jobs and the roles where those laid-off workers may excel. Based on this initial assessment of the individuals, the career coaches leverage the most effective approach for professional fulfillment.
The needs and aspirations of each employee are diverse, and so are the techniques of assessment. So, at this stage, there may be a round of questions to determine whether the terminated employees are keen to continue in the same industry. Besides, they also motivate candidates to explore new roles and opportunities.
One-on-one career counseling
With services like one-on-one career counseling, the coaches try to mitigate the impact of the layoff and approach the process with compassion and empathy. During these counseling sessions, the ousted employees may talk more openly about their career goals and aspirations. Being trained in career transitions, the experts make them speak about the next move that helps them position those individuals for future success.
Resume optimization
The LinkedIn optimization process closely follows updating of the resume. Recruiters scout LinkedIn to find suitable candidates. So, the terminated employees need to build on their LinkedIn profile with relevant phrases and words related to the jobs, roles, and locations they are seeking. A strong outplacement program is one where experts sit with the participants to optimize each section of their LinkedIn profile.
LinkedIn optimization
The LinkedIn optimization process closely follows updating of the resume. Recruiters scout LinkedIn to find suitable candidates. So, the terminated employees need to build on their LinkedIn profile with relevant phrases and words related to the jobs, roles, and locations they are seeking. A strong outplacement program is one where experts sit with the participants to optimize each section of their LinkedIn profile.
Improved job search techniques
Outplacement programs also equip the terminated workers with robust job search strategies. It includes effective search techniques in online job portals and leveraging social media platforms. The participants get comprehensive guidance on how to spot potential employers and seek hidden opportunities in the job market.
Preparing for interviews
Yes, improved job search strategies and optimized LinkedIn profiles open new avenues. However, candidates need to perform well during interviews to come out with flying colors. Without a stunning performance in interviews, they may find themselves trapped in a maze of rejections. For those searching what is included in outplacement services, interview preparation is one of them. From learning the tricks and techniques of the interview process to valuable advice from experts, the participants know how to seal the deal.
Networking and branding
The outplacement programs also leverage the significance of networking and personal branding. They receive guidance on how effective networking strategies help connect with potential employers and professionals in the industry. By highlighting the strengths and experiences of the terminated employees, expert coaches help set them apart in the competition.
Key features of outplacement services
You are familiar with different stages of outplacement and aware how it has turned out to be a well-rounded approach to motivate laid-off employees to move through a successful career transition. Here are the key aspects based on which an employer must engage an outplacement provider:
● Offer in-depth services from assessing the goals to the stage of final placement.
● A transparent reporting system for evaluating the program results step by step
● Accessibility and flexibility of services
● Judging effectiveness through engagement rates, success metrics, and tracking satisfaction records
● Guiding participants to secure placements in organizations successfully
Outplacement is an effective strategy to help employees return to work after a layoff. It also safeguards the reputation of the employer, reduces the risks, and lowers the cost of unemployment claims.
At Avalon Lane Partners, the leading experts in outplacement, we have over 12 years of experience in training people and helping them navigate their career paths for a smooth transition. Explore our services here: https://www.avalonlanepartners.com/ and give us a buzz today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which services do outplacement programs exclude?
Outplacement services help individuals become more visible to prospective employers for new jobs after layoff. However, they do not find or apply for jobs or guarantee placements.
Are outplacement services essential?
Outplacement services are not compulsory, but by offering the assistance, you can show compassion and empathy towards the workforce and lower the impact of layoffs.
How much do outplacement services cost?
The cost of outplacement services depends on the number of employers that enroll for the program, and it may go up for personalized programs.
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