Outplacement: Supporting people to move forward with confidence

When an organisation makes staff cutbacks there is an associated risk of stress and other difficulty for those employees who are retained. Outplacement services not only provide guidance and assistance to affected employees, they reassure retained staff that they will be looked after in similar circumstances and that their employer is responsible and concerned for the welfare of all staff. 

Losing a job is a stressful experience, no matter what the circumstances. After many years in the same organisation we develop strong ties with our co-workers and leaving a job can feel like leaving a community and losing some part of ourselves. We are all different however, and while some find it difficult to move on, others see it as an opportunity to take a different career path or move up a level.

Whatever the individual perspective, it remains a fact that the transition involves a period of intense change, requiring us to evaluate our options and overcome our fears. Major organisational change is now commonplace in the business world, creating a need for outplacement services to support those affected by change. A common misconception is that outplacement is about finding people new jobs. This overlooks a large part of the outplacement process which involves providing support and training to develop an individual’s resilience and ability to successfully negotiate increasingly changeable career paths.

Attitudes towards work have changed in the last few decades and people increasingly expect to find meaning and satisfaction in their jobs. Career fulfillment is subjective. For some it could mean moving up through the ranks and achieving greater responsibility and financial reward; for others it could mean enjoying a flexible work schedule and spending more time with family. Outplacement provides a framework that enables individuals to learn more about themselves, resulting in increased awareness of career objectives and the sorts of organisations and environments that might meet their expectations.

Organisational changes are complex and sensitive events, often unpredictable. Lee Hecht Harrison’s outplacement services offer a range of options tailored to the specific needs of the individual and the organisation. LHH experts have vast experiential knowledge of organisational change and will ensure the smooth and professional progression of your project.

^ Top