The recent economic headlines are more than just news stories to many small business owners and their employees. The current business climate creates harsh realities that in some cases result in laying off valued employees due to lack of business.
These layoffs cause business owners and employees alike to feel personal pain and stress. Employers may feel guilt and sadness at having to let a productive, loyal employee go. Employees, even if they understand the business reasons behind the action, can feel abandoned and uncertain about their futures.
One way to ease the transition is to obtain a safety net of support, information and job search assistance. This safety net can be offered in the form of an outplacement benefit.
Mutually beneficial
Outplacement is a service typically provided by Fortune 500 companies as part of transition services for displaced employees.
However, smaller companies that have been successful in creating a tight-knit, supportive work environment can discover an even greater impact by providing this service to their displaced workers.
Some benefits to the employer may include lower unemployment costs, positive community reputation, supporting a positive culture and retention of remaining employees.
Benefits for the employee include boosting confidence in a troubling time, training and effective tools to more quickly integrate them back into the work force and providing support and not having to manage an unfamiliar process of a career transition alone.
Traditional outplacement services may include counseling on resumes, interview skills, networking and referrals, and career and transitioning.
Depending on the life stage of employees and their career goals, services may also include information and referrals that address returning to school, starting a business, making a career or industry change and even beginning retirement.
Typically outplacement services are outsourced to national and local firms. The client or employer generally pays for the service as part of a termination or layoff package.
Providing outplacement services helps small business owners implement a difficult business decision while giving former employees a head start with the next chapter in their career and life.
Tony Johnson is president of TJ & Assoc. Inc. He can be reached at 360-263-2676.
