Cutting down a workforce has never been easy. Both the employees and managers are bound to undergo emotional turmoil as they prepare to face this new transition. To make this process easier, the company may decide to seek an outplacement service provider.
Why is it a smart move?
Reduce unemployment
Outplacement offers very valuable options to ex employees such as CV assistance, career management, and networking advice, all of which can help them to secure a new job. It gets employees back on their feet faster! Especially if they have been long serving employees, you may feel your company has a moral obligation to help them find new opportunities.
Maintain healthy relationships
No matter the outcome, displaced workers likely contributed to the success of your organisation at one point or another. Thanks to offering outplacement services you can maintain healthy relationships with ex employees. Offering outplacement services to laid-off employees is one way to show the remaining employees that they are valued and that the employers have a “conscience,” which can have a positive impact on their morale, commitment, retention levels, and productivity.
Increased productivity from current employees
Outplacement solutions show your dedication to your team, no matter how bad things may get. In turn, this can increase productivity and engagement from your current staff since they are aware of your commitment to them.
Better brand
These days, image is everything. Your company’s reputation may well be at stake if you don’t provide outplacement. In this social media-driven era, news travels fast. And it doesn’t even have to be true to be believed. Bitter employees can vent, and others may well take their side. Outplacement solutions promote a great company reputation, demonstrate your commitment to current and former staff, and showcase your ability to provide the solutions modern professionals need.
Liability protection
Defending an unlawful termination is expensive, time-consuming, reduces the morale of the remaining staff, and can injure the reputation and perception of the company. You have a corporate responsibility to your employees. That said, outplacement solutions can serve as a liability protection against possible disgruntled ex employees. While you are no longer their employer, you are taking the necessary steps to ensure a smoother transition, avoiding any possible legal action and negative reputational actions. The outplacement support can include job search assistance, interview preparation tools, and career assessments.
This investment (outplacement) in helping departing employees with their future career needs isn’t just a ‘goodwill’ effort. It can help build a solid industry reputation for your company that can lead to better employee relationships in the long term.
