Outplacement

Guide to Outplacement

Making employee transition easier for the entire company with outplacement services
By Lea Terry

Outplacement services can help strengthen the relationship between your company and departing employees, by demonstrating your commitment to their long-term career success. Even if you've asked an employee to leave, you can show them you have faith in their skills, and want to ensure that they thrive long after they leave the organization.

In the past, when companies downsized, they sent employees off with a severance package; today, companies enlist the aid of coaches or outplace service firms to help displaced employees quickly transition into new jobs, or advise them on refining their career skills to make it easier to find employment. As beneficial as this is for the employees, it's also good for the company, by enhancing its image, helping the company reorganize more quickly and efficiently, and reducing the risk of legal liability.

Corporate outplacement services include:

1. Skills, personality and interests assessment
2. Resume updating and customization
3. Job placement and outplacement information
   

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Hire an outplacement service company or consultant Outplace service firms can assist not only in helping employees transition out of the company, but also in helping the company understand the legal issues regarding employee termination. Many outplacement service companies provide career coaches who work one-on-one with employees, helping them update their resumes, assess their strengths and weaknesses, and prepare for new career opportunities. If you're undertaking a company-wide layoff, outplacement service companies can handle the transition process for dozens, even hundreds of employees. And, because they've seen the same situation at many other companies, they'll know what employees need most during this time, and how to make the process easier for both employer and employee.

I recommend:  Sai Strategies offers nationwide outplacement services to individuals and organizations, creating and implementing individualized outplacement programs, and working one-on-one with employees at a low per-employee cost. Career Partners International helps companies create outplacement programs, and will also stay on-site while employees are notified, to assist in the transition.

Create your own separation program with online outplacement solutions or software Outplacement software may cost less than hiring a firm or coach, and can reduce time and cost of outplacement services, while still providing individualized service for your employees. Through online programs, employees can access outplacement information on their own time, even in their own homes. With these systems, employees can take personality, interest and skills assessment tests; search for and apply for jobs; and develop customized resumes.

I recommend:  EmploymentTalk is an online system that integrates into your existing HR computer system, and Relational Management offers online outplacement services for displaced employees.

Make an alumni program part of your outplacement services Even if you've had to lay off employees because of downsizing, you may want to rehire them if the company's financial state improves, or if another position opens up. An individualized outplacement program, combined with an alumni program, helps you stay connected to valued former employees, and gives them a way to stay in touch with colleagues and friends from work. Keeping former employees connected what's going on at the company helps them feel they're still valued members of the company, and may encourage them to refer other prospective employees to your organization.

I recommend:  Corporate Alumni creates, oversees and hosts online corporate alumni communities. To learn about alumni programs at other companies, visit the alumni program directory at Job Hunt.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Take as much care with your outplacement services as you do your hiring and retention procedures. What former employees say after they leave could have an enormous impact on your company's reputation, and on your ability to recruit new talent.