What is Outplacement Support?
“Outplacement” is used to support employees facing a job loss with the transition to the next phase of their career. It is usually facilitated by an external provider and funded by the employer.
Many employers facing the unpleasant task of making cuts question whether spending money on outplacement is counter-intuitive, especially in these difficult times. The answer is no.
What are the benefits?
Redundancy can have a huge impact on individuals, not just from a financial perspective but in terms of identity and self-worth. For some people, the redundancy process can even have a similar effect on individuals as the grief of losing someone. This, coupled with the current climate of rising unemployment rates and an anticipated legacy of increased mental ill health, means outplacement support is more needed than ever. However, outplacement is not just beneficial for the individuals affected, there are huge benefits to businesses who chose embrace it too.
Top 5 business benefits
1). As a responsible employer regrettably needing to part company through redundancy, you will no doubt have done everything in your power to avoid making any job cuts. Offering outplacement support shows that you value your people and take your responsibilities seriously, even in the most adverse of circumstances.
2). Offering outplacement support can help ensure the dismissal is carried out in the most compassionate way and keep the employee’s departure on the best possible terms, maintaining their loyalty during any notice or handover period.
3). A longer-term benefit is that outgoing employees are more likely to leave with a positive view of the organisation (think of them as a brand ambassadors) as well as maintaining the morale of your remaining employees, helping to protect the company brand and reputation.
4). Outplacement support may pave the way for a return of good employees in the future. It sends out a clear message about who you are and what your values are as an organisation – you never know how or when your paths may cross in the future.
5). Whilst there isn’t the same legal obligation to offer outplacement as there is with redundancy consultation, offering it in addition can help mitigate any risk of subsequent litigation resulting from the statutory redundancy process. Outsourcing the service to a specialist outplacement provider avoids any conflict of interest and demonstrates impartiality.
Wrap-around redundancy support
Mustard HR is currently working in collaboration with SoftCom Outplacement to offer conscientious SME’s, who due to the impact of the corona virus, regretfully need to structure. The HR and outplacement packages not only ensure the fair and legally compliant management of the redundancy process but also empathetic and client-focused support in the form of group workshops and one-to-one coaching for individuals. Both the HR and outplacement packages offer the same standard of service as the leading providers but at a much-reduced cost and on a more personal level. Feel free to get in touch for more information.
