No matter how necessary the decision is, it’s never easy to part ways with employees.
However, there are ways to turn redundancy into a more positive experience. Outplacement is one of the most effective.
Outplacement is the process of preparing employees who are being made redundant to put their best foot forward as they return to the job market. At The CV Guru, we provide comprehensive outplacement support for organisations and affected employees.
In this blog, we’ll explore how outplacement during redundancy makes the transition period easier for the employees affected and the business as a whole.
Understanding Outplacement
Redundancy pay or severance packages are a standard part of the offboarding process, but outplacement goes a step further. Outplacement support can include CV writing, researching new roles, or other forms of coaching. The end goal is to help employees find new opportunities after they leave a business.
Specific examples of outplacement support include:
- CV Writing Services: Working with a professional CV writing company that provides departing employees with CVs that reflect their skills and achievements.
- CV Overview Seminars: Online or in-person seminars offering employees practical advice and resources for their future job search. These seminars will typically cover topics like Applicant Tracking Software (ATS), job search sites, the different sections of a CV, and how to tailor a CV to a specific role
- Practical CV Writing Workshops: A workshop session where participants write their own CVs under expert guidance.
- LinkedIn for Job Searching: LinkedIn is an essential tool for career success, but for many professionals, it can feel unfamiliar or even daunting. This session is designed specifically for individuals who may be unsure about using LinkedIn but recognise the need to engage with recruiters, employers, and industry networks.
- Interview Skills Coaching: One-to-one or group coaching that empowers participants in the interview stage of a job application. These sessions can include coaching on confidence building, preparation and planning, and interview skills.
At The CV Guru, we offer all the above services to companies and employees requiring support in the redundancy process.
The Impact of Redundancy on Employees
As well as the obvious financial impact of redundancy, layoffs also have a long-term impact on the mental health and well-being of affected employees.
While the decision is typically nothing personal, being made redundant still leaves people with feelings of uncertainty. Forbes found that 87% of jobseekers experience anxiety when it comes to finding their next role, and redundancy only adds further complications to the experience.
Everyone reacts to redundancy differently, but many people lose confidence in their abilities or feel overwhelmed by the prospect of finding a new job.
How Outplacement Supports Employees
Outplacement support offers staff members the chance to have a more positive leaving experience.
Outplacement is not only an empowering experience that builds confidence. It also offers expert advice and practical resources for those re-entering the job market. Employees who receive tailored career coaching secure new roles 40% faster than those without support (Career Transition Study, 2024).
When employers incorporate outplacement support into the redundancy process, they help those leaving the company to feel supported to take the next steps in their career.
The Benefits of Outplacement for Companies
It’s not just employees who benefit from outplacement support.
A smooth transition protects your brand reputation, which minimises the risk of potential disputes and even legal action.
Maintaining a strong relationship with staff members who have been made redundant also leaves the door open for their return. If business improves in the future, you’re more likely to tempt employees back if they’ve had a positive leaving experience following redundancy.
Outplacement also creates a more positive work environment. When remaining employees see that staff members who have been made redundant receive support from the company, it enhances their morale and improves productivity.
Redundancy will always be a source of stress for employees and organisations, but proper outplacement can help all parties through it.
Outplacement is a key part of the redundancy process that eases employees through a difficult time, establishes your organisation as one that values its staff, and creates a more positive working environment. A study by Randstad revealed that companies offering redundancy support attract 50% more high-quality candidates in the future, reinforcing their position as ethical and employee-focused organisations.
If you find yourself in the position of having to make redundancies, The CV Guru can help create a better leaving experience for your organisation.
Get in touch today to explore our outplacement services and find out how we can create a tailored package for you.