Layoffs can be challenging for workers; it is not just lost income; it's like losing an identity and community of associates. It is hard not just for workers but for companies as well. These situations bring outplacement services at the forefront to help both the employees and the employers. Layoffs imply letting go of workers, which can be daunting for managers. However, companies find a way to protect themselves from this. An outplacement is an option that helps the employees and the brand's reputation. Let us explore how it works. Many company owners ask what exactly this service is. Outplacement services are candidate benefits a company offers to employees who have been laid off. It involves helping workers find new work, transition back into another company smoothly, and get back on their feet.
It is usually also known as employment transition support. In many cases, it also includes other services like interview training, job search advice, etc. While it sounds like it favours the employee, their work has shifted in recent years to meet companies’ changing needs. Nowadays, firms are proactively offering outplacement, not just to a few but to all concerned employees of all grades and levels, to protect brand reputation and support the employees who have been undeserving of this transition.
How do career transition services work?
Career transition services are offered in a one-on-one or group setting or by digital means. At most events, firms partner with a third-party service provider to take care of the services for their workers. If you are a startup with limited resources, a third party is a viable option.
So, here is how a credible agency will go about the process:
Once you lay off workers, send a list of them to the third-party provider, and then your candidates can contact them for the services. Initially, a career coach is delivered to these workers, who will illustrate how they can help them. Some leading agencies invoke a waiting period before former employees can benefit from the program. But if the requirement is met, the services are rolled out instantly. Workers will be allocated a client success manager who will work closely with them and their senior teams to effectively provide services to the laid-off candidates. The outplacement provider will give career coaches to each job seeker for personalised job search plan development and more.
Understand these services do not involve finding jobs or placing former employees in them. They support them with the knowledge, training, and skills needed to overcome the challenges while searching for a new job.
Types of Outplacement Services an Agency Can Provide
There is a wide range of services available under the outplacement solutions. Some of the features or types of outplacement services that help employees and the company are:
One-on-one career coaching.
Cover letter and resume-building tools.
Resume review, editing, and writing.
Job interview practice and coaching.
Career interests and skills assessments.
Social media profile writing and optimisation.
Guides on job search-related topics, such as networking and personal branding.
Many outplacement programmes offer several other kinds of services. Before selecting your outplacement services provider, ensure that their scheme includes what you need and that they are a reputed organisation.
The Advantages of Outplacement Services
It involves spending resources like time and money on laid-off candidates. It is clear to wonder if you should trust yourself with it or not. So, how do companies benefit from outsourcing outplacement services?
Take a look at the advantages of using outplacement services.
Improves reputation: Investing in these shows that you genuinely care about your workers and their employment growth. It is a supportive and empathetic gesture that is highly valued by staff members and presents your business favourably, making it simpler to find and hire exceptional prospects in the future.
Mitigate risk: It is common for workers to feel frustrated or angry at the news of being laid off, which can result in violent behaviour. But if they have the hope and guarantee of landing a job, they are less likely to resort to destructive behaviour or wrongful termination.
Improved employee morale: Layoffs can have a negative psychological impact in addition to being uncomfortable for the employees. With the availability of outplacement services, individuals might experience a reduction in anxiety, an increase in motivation to work more, and a positive outlook.
Lesser unemployment costs: Compared to searching on their own, former employees can discover new positions more quickly with outsourcing. Their quick job search would mean they wouldn't require unemployment insurance for as long, which would result in cheaper premiums.
How Do You Find the Best Outplacement Services Provider?
Make sure to find the best outplacement services as per your needs. Some of the aspects to consider before selecting a third-party provider are:
Service: Are the services offered by these agencies beneficial to your team? Does the programme provide individualised services such as one-on-one career coaching and resume review? Can the services be tailored to the requirements of different categories of workers, such as hourly workers or leaders?
Terms: Considering that many people need considerable time to find a job that best suits them, what is the length of their service? Can the assistance period be extended at a reasonable cost depending on the candidate's levels or grades?
Experience: Do the outplacement solutions you are partnering with have a good reputation as per your niche? Do they deliver executive hiring and outplacement to entry-level, mid-level, and senior-level candidates? Who are the past and existing clients they are helping? What niche are they in?
Technology: Can workers access the services from the comfort of their homes through a virtual platform? If so, are the digital services offered personalised and have premium advantages, such as one-on-one coaching with a professional career development expert? Does the schedule provide more value per dollar?
When outsourcing an outplacement service that fits your requirements, you can consider your business's financial resources, workforce needs, and more. The wrong outplacement agency can lead to a negative return on your investment and impact your brand image.
Conclusion
Outplacement offers several advantages to both employees and companies. It is a useful way to get back former candidates to work after a layoff. For companies, it helps decrease costs associated with unemployment advantages, improve their chances of landing, attracting, and retaining qualified candidates for the future, and manage their brand.
If you outsource your needs to a qualified third-party provider, such as Vision India, you will see that outplacement can provide several benefits to your firm. If you are searching for outplacement services for your company to protect your reputation, mitigate risk, boost employee morale, and even be affordable, we are ideal for you. Whether it is outplacement services or any permanent staffing and recruitment challenges, we are here to provide you with a solution that suits your company's demands completely.
