Every month, approximately 35,000 people are laid off in the United Kingdom, according to the Office for National Statistics. That’s a staggering figure, especially when you consider that many of those laid off are completely on their own to find new work.
Until recently, most outplacement services were in the form of redundancy counselling, which focused almost entirely on the emotional aftermath of job loss. There was rudimentary job-search assistance, but it rarely led to new employment – and it rarely did so quickly.
Things have changed dramatically, and outplacement is now far more practical, generative, and results-oriented. Outplacement not only looks different, but it also feels and performs differently.
WHAT EXACTLY IS OUTPLACEMENT?
Outplacement now provides a suite of services aimed at assisting employees who have been laid off to move on and find suitable new work roles and positions, either within the organisation in which they currently work or for a new company. The goal of outplacement is to assist employees in making smooth transitions from one role to another.
This is why well-designed and executed Outplacement services provide both practical and emotional support to help people find new jobs. And, perhaps more importantly, it is about positively assisting that person in transitioning to a new role so that they can get an appropriate job that advances their career.
There are far fewer jobs for life as a result of many companies taking on time-limited project work and requiring greater staff flexibility, which means outplacement services are more in demand and relevant than ever before. Understanding and learning the skills required to find and secure a new position are critical as more people than ever before are likely to be made redundant at some point during their career.
As a result, good Outplacement services are poised to become a key differentiator between companies, with a significant impact on whether the best people choose to work for one company over another. As a result, providing Outplacement services that assist in supporting and guiding an individual through the difficult job-search period benefits not only that individual but also the company.
Outplacement typically provides a variety of services, such as:
Career counselling.
Career development.
CV Creation.
Experiment with interview styles.
What can be accomplished through good Outplacement services is often the difference between a member of staff moving on positively or negatively, which can have a significant impact on the organization’s reputation and hiring power. As a result, good Outplacement becomes an essential component of the redundancy package, transforming a potentially negative experience into a positive one.
WHAT HAS CHANGED IN OUTPLACEMENT?
Previously, outplacement was more concerned with providing emotional support akin to counselling than with career guidance. The goal appeared to be to assist an individual in managing their stress and other emotions associated with loss and change rather than to assist them in finding a new role. This response is no longer considered appropriate or relevant because assisting the individual in dealing with emotions does not help the individual find appropriate employment quickly. Because the practical consequences of job loss are frequently the source of anxiety and stress, new Outplacement services focus far more on resolving the practical issue rather than dealing with the emotional fallout of job loss.
That is why the emphasis is on assisting someone in determining their next career move, reviewing their CV, and determining where and how to locate positions they want to pursue. Of course, not everyone who is laid off decides to look for a new job. Some people choose to travel, study, or start their own businesses. Nonetheless, the coaching provided as part of the Outplacement services can be helpful in deciding to make a different kind of change in one’s life.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS?
Outplacement services are now available in the form of packages that include a variety of support materials and options. This is usually available for a limited time and includes a set number of personal sessions as well as email and phone support. It means that someone who has been laid off can begin looking for new employment as soon as they are ready.
While many Outplacement services are delivered from opulent city offices and provide both group and individual support, offsite and remote services are gaining popularity because they provide greater flexibility and are more accessible.
However, being online and remote does not imply that someone is left to their own devices. Instead, it means they have unrestricted access to digital resources and e-learning, as well as personal one-on-one expertise and guidance. This means that someone can benefit from all of the advantages of outsourcing without being tied to a specific location or having to travel to face-to-face meetings, with all of the inconvenience that entails.
If you have been working with an Outplacement provider for a long time or have continued with a contract established by a previous HR team, you may have a service that no longer meets the needs of your company and its employees. Even if you don’t expect to make any layoffs anytime soon, now could be a good time to review the service you provide to ensure that it is fit not only for your needs but also for the needs of your employees.
Contact London Outplacement Services today to schedule a review of your Outplacement services and learn how our bespoke remote services can help your employees and organisation manage redundancy more effectively in the future.