Outplacement Services have become more vital than ever. The working world is changing faster than it ever has. Outsourcing, Automation and a difficult economic climate has had a serious impact on the job market.
Redundancy has become an all too common story in the business pages and for all those involved. Redundancy impacts not only the people losing their jobs, but also their colleagues, HR having to deal with the process, and management making those tough decisions. Yet Outplacement can make a huge difference to all concerned.
Redundancy is the new norm
Ask anyone walking down Queen Street in Brisbane, St Georges Terrace in Perth or Collins Street in Melbourne if they have ever been made redundant or if they know someone who has and you will struggle to find anyone who says no. Redundancy is becoming the new norm.
The result? A modern business is one that’s ready to adapt and evolve, reorganising to meet the needs of its customers. And that often means making redundancies. Clearly, it’s an unpleasant reality to face.
Outplacement services can do much to help those effected – not only helping those people impacted reorientate themselves for the next role, but helping the business and its remaining people.
Here’s How
1. It’s what a caring employer does
There are statutory obligations and there are moral obligations. If you have to change the shape, size or nature of your business, that shouldn’t mean abandoning anyone. They have made a contribution to your business; you should try to do the same for their career. The benefit of outplacement services far exceeds the cost.
2. It protects your brand
Most people will recognise that redundancy is a necessary evil and a common part of modern working life. In which case, it’s not if it happens that’s important, but how it happens. If you treat your people with respect and compassion even in trying circumstances, this will reflect your values as a business and an employer: people will take note, they will know that if in the future they are made redundant you will look after them and provide outplacement services to assist them move into a new role quicker.
3. It can improve staff morale
It’s easy to forget about the people who aren’t being made redundant – they’re thought of as the lucky ones. But the process creates tension for everyone in the workplace. While clear communications across every area of the business can do much to smooth the waters, it’s also invaluable to deliver something positive and constructive, showing that you genuinely care about your team.
4. Manage with Care
Handle the redundancy process insensitively and the likely result will be disgruntled former employees, sharing their grievances with family, friends and, via social media, the wider world. Take a more active role in their future and they are less likely to denigrate your business, more likely to remember the positives and could even become a part of your talent pool, should the right kind of roles become available in the future.
Outplacement matters
For anyone managing the redundancy process, it can be tempting to want to rip off the bandage. To wash your hands of the whole thing as quickly as possible. And if it’s a purely financial decision to say goodbye to some people, adding to the bill may seem like the last thing you want to do. But outplacement services are an investment that’s worth making. It’s not just assistance for people leaving: it’s a way to strengthen your employer brand, to show the world your values in action and to smooth the road to the business you want to create.
GetHired offer Outplacement Services, Career Coaching and Resume Writing in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth & Adelaide. Our career coaches and Outplacement Consultants are experts in their field and have had huge success in helping clients re-enter the workforce. CONTACT US