Thankfully, society has begun to recognise the scale of our mental health crisis and its direct correlation with physical well-being. Until someone is faced with the prospect of losing their job and the ramifications of it, they cannot know how it will affect them.

For many people, their job is closely tied to their sense of worth, even if the day-to-day reality is one of disengagement or boredom. They have a hook, a place to go, somewhere they can feel useful.

Stories abound of people having been made redundant, refusing to tell the family. Leaving home at the same time as if they are going to work, filling the day somehow but gradually sliding into debt and a psychological blackhole.

At the very least, outplacement gives everyone a point of reference and, if they really want it, the ability to keep their situation private. We would, of course, recommend having someone to talk to about their issues and to relieve the mental pressures of dealing with things on their own.

Outplacement in an online world- Free Paper

Typically, outplacement has only been given to senior people, mainly due to cost. Membership of the Work Horizons online site allows all levels of the organisation to be supported. To quote one manager, this is the ‘democratisation of outplacement’. Perhaps it is better described as universal support but the point is a valid one.

Naturally, the nature of the help can include 1:1 coaching, team coaching, workshops, CV writing and health advice, but at its core is the membership which is affordable enough to be given to everyone.

If the company is going into receivership, it is another matter but if there is life and a future it could be a key feature of the redundancy programme. Remember, the survivors are watching and want their friends and colleagues to also see a way forward.

Outplacement in an online world- Free Paper

We do enjoy a euphemism. People are released…. not sacked, dismissed, redundant, cut, discarded, severed…

Usually there are very good business reasons such as reduced sales/income, cessation of a product or service, relocation of an operation, or a need to bring in new skills and space is being created to accommodate them.

Explained clearly and openly, the move will be accepted even if it will not be liked. UK law requires consultation and a genuine effort to offset the impacts of a decision to reduce headcount through redundancy. One aspect of these discussions might be outplacement support, even if there are larger numbers.

Outplacement in an online world- Free Paper

There are managers who have few ethics and morals. Most, when faced with making people redundant or with laying them off, only do it as a last resort. 

An often quoted legal precept is that it is ‘jobs’ which are made redundant. This is to use a mild term, ‘Tosh’. It is the person who has to go home and tell the family that their home, holidays and way-of-life are now under threat. It is the individual faced with uncertainty and, in extreme cases, ill health.

Very few business leaders want this, albeit staff reduction may be taken as an ‘easier’ option. They too need to go home with the knowledge they have at least helped by providing outplacement support.

Outplacement in an online world- Free Paper

It was reported in the Harvard Business Review that, after a major re-organisation, 30% of the retained people resign within the next 12 months. This is worth considering seriously; these are the key people needed for the future.

Why are they leaving? There will be a number of reasons but a key one is the ‘survivors’ have watched the manner the dismissed staff were treated. A simple step towards demonstrating professionalism and compassion, as the victims of the re-structure are released, is giving them outplacement.

The retained staff must see it as a worthwhile place to work which behaves in line with the espoused values and principles.

Outplacement in an online world- Free Paper

Many people make New Year Resolutions. Following age old wisdom, they make the targets very specific and, frequently, unrealistic.

Perhaps, as we go into a calendar year which is still massively influenced by recent events, our goals might be more general. To reflect on a few:

• Purpose
• Positivity
• Controlling the Controllable’s
• Looking after others better
• Protecting our health
• Decide the things which need changing
• Stop doing things because they are just expected of you
• Learn to have Difficult Conversations
• Accept fewer fools in your life
• Have fun

Work Horizons