How can you support departing employees during lay-offs?

In uncertain times, many organizations must implement a reduction in force (RIF) to offset the changing economic landscape. RIFs and reorganizations can cause a lot of stress on employees, even those who are not directly affected. Saying goodbye responsibly requires clear planning and an empathetic approach. One way an organization can assist employees while also helping to protect the employer’s brand is by offering outplacement services.

Whether this is the first time your organization is considering offering outplacement services or it has been a while since you revisited your outplacement services plan, you may be wondering how to determine the services, and duration, that should be provided.  

What are outplacement services?

Outplacement services are services that help departing employees find the next steps in their career. They include things like career coaching, assessment guides, professional branding, and other critical services that will help position the individual for success. Outplacement services also send a positive message to your remaining employees during times of change and uncertainty. 

Here are seven outplacement service examples you should consider offering to a departing employee:

1. Virtual Career Coaching

In Mercer’s recent outplacement survey, 86% of organizations ranked virtual coaching as an important part of the outplacement services suite. One-on-one, on-demand virtual has now become a mainstay in outplacement programs.  

2. AI-assisted outplacement journey

The use of AI has enabled individuals to increase productivity in the workforce, and this advancement should also be included when looking for a new role. Allowing AI to do some of the leg work, such as creating a resume, cover letter, or even drafting a step-by-step plan on how to move forward, should be part of the experience.   

3. E-Learning/upskilling courses

With the acceleration of automation and digitization, ensuring an individual has the right skills for their next career step is critical. In a study conducted by the Rome Business School, it is estimated that 60% of workers will need to reskill by 2027. Providing an outplacement tool that offers the appropriate resources to fill these skill gaps equips impacted individuals with updated skills for future employability.

4. Professional resume review

A person’s resume is the first impression when being considered for a new role, making it one of the most important points of focus. Offering a professional resume review that helps the individual position themselves in the right light, organize their skills and experience appropriately, and include the right words to articulate their experience can make a world of difference.

5. Social network integration

The success rate for finding a job is higher for individuals who have a connection with an employee at a company where they are applying; in fact, statistics show that 85% of roles are filled through networking. This makes it essential to know who your connections are when looking for a new job.

6. Job search and alerts capability

On average, 180 individuals apply for a job, but only 3% of those applicants get an interview. In addition, studies have shown that applicants who apply within 72 hours of a job being posted have a greater chance of being hired. Having an outplacement tool that allows the candidate to see new jobs through customized alerts and to search existing jobs using a robust search capability will allow for quick and easy job applications while positioning the individual favorably at the top of the candidate pile.

7. Meet employee where they are with 24/7, online access

Given the increase in remote work and the need for on demand services, it is important to provide resources that can be accessed from anywhere at any time. Mercer’s recent Turnover Survey indicated that 89% of outplacement services included online, easily accessible tools. Individuals expect to be met “where they are,” and that includes 24/7 virtual access from any mobile-enabled device.

For more information on outplacement services from Mercer, please contact us today at surveys@mercer.com or 866-434-2120.

About the author

Crystyl Swanson, Principal

Crystyl has over 20 years of experience serving clients across a wide range of industries and leadership roles. Serving Mercer as the Commercial Strategist for the Technology Industry, she brings a new perspective and a wealth of knowledge and experience in the ever-evolving talent landscape.