With the Covid-19 pandemic, adverse impacts with rapidly changing societal behaviours, new innovative technologies and a marketplace have never been so agile. Companies have hence had to cut on expenses, including staff, in response to the turbulent economy. However, reports indicate that cutting down a workforce has never been easy. Both the employer and employee are reportedly bound to undergo emotional ‘disruption’ as they prepare for the transition. To make this process easier, the company may decide to seek an outplacement service provider. Here is why this service matters; Ordinarily, outplacement is the support service provided by organisations to help laid-off workers as they transition to new jobs while enabling them to re-orient in the job market. According to experts, even workers at the best companies get laid off. But when a company puts outplacement packages at the core of its benefits, it creates an attractive, employee-centric culture which makes employees feel secure, motivated, and dedicated. A sign of responsibility from the employer There are statutory obligations and there are moral obligations, and that goes beyond the office whip-round, according to a letter published in the Career Coach magazine. “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 letter reads in part. Improve brand reputation Redundancy has been long perceived as an unfair practice in the working life. In which case, experts argue, the way you handle the process becomes vital. If you treat your people with generosity and compassion even in trying circumstances, this will reflect your values as a business and an employer: people will take note. Boost staff morale It’s easy to forget about the people who aren’t being made redundant – they are thought of as the lucky ones. But the process creates tension for everyone in the workplace. While clear communication across every area of the business can do much to smooth the waters, it’s also invaluable to deliver something positive and constructive for your people. Sowing the right seed A poorly managed redundancy process will likely result into disgruntled former employers, reports say. To address this, employers ought to 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. A smooth road for your business For anyone managing the redundancy process, it can be tempting to want to rip off the bandage, notes the career coach. “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 of your people, adding to the bill may seem like the last thing you want to do. But outplacement /career coaching is an investment that’s worth making.” It’s not just assistance for people leaving but also 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.
