An « outplacement » in Switzerland is a programme that is provided – and usually paid for– by the employer when an employee is being dismissed, whether it is individual or following a restructurating. Usually, companies would hire an external provider or career coach to provide support to an employee, but it often happens that they offer internal replacement measures.
WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF AN OUTPLACEMENT PROGRAMME?
The main objective of an outplacement programme is to help employees that have been dismissed to find – as soon as possible – a new job that will match their personality, motivations and skills. That job can be in the same field as before or something entirely new and because some decide to grab this opportunity, having time available while being paid is an opportunity to make positive change, change career or to embrace a new challenge.
CONTENT OF AN OUTPLACEMENT PROGRAMME
The outplacement provider (who is often also a coach), will provide group or individual sessions, personalized coaching, specialized advice, access to job market information, role plays and opportunities to network.
DURATION OF AN OUTPLACEMENT PROGRAMME
An outplacement programme typically lasts between 3 and 12 months, depending on the budget on one hand, and on the seniority level on the other. Experience shows that job search for a senior manager takes longer time in the sense that there are fewer positions available.
WHY WOULD A COMPANY INVEST IN AN OUTPLACEMENT PROGRAMME ?
In Switzerland, there is usually no obligation for an employer to provide an external outplacement to an employee that they dismiss. This benefit can be offered as one measure of a social plan or can be negotiated by trade unions.
Corporate Social Responsibility
By offering a career support, a company shows that it is socially responsible at all levels. It is good but not enough to be « socially responsible » in your supplier’s selection or by controlling its environmental impact. A socially responsible company must demonstrate social responsibility across all processes, including “employee life cycle”, from recruitment to dismissal.
Corporate Brand image
Generally speaking, a company’s management and Human Resources wants departures to happen “in the best way”. It goes without saying that if a dismissed employee is treated with respect, is given the possibility to leave with dignity and then rapidly finds a new job, that will lead to a much more positive communication and behaviour towards the company. Hence a positive impact for the general public, customers, partners, future candidates, etc,
Motivation
Thanks to measures such as outplacement programmes, not only will the dismissed employee keep a positive image of the company, but the remaining colleagues (that often suffer from these dismissal / redundancy situations) will recognize that their company treats people with respect. They will keep their own motivation (hence their performance) and won’t also try to leave the company.
Risk reduction
A generous employer that offers an outplacement programme will maintain good relationships whilst reducing risks for the company. Any measure that helps to minimize the impact of a termination will reduce the risk of illness on the employee side and legal actions on the company side. In my experience, an employee benefiting from concrete career support will put all his/her energy to rapidly find a new job, instead of fighting against the employer and/or getting ill.
In summary, restructurating and redundancies have an important impact – and not only for the departing employee. A company investing in an outplacement programme for one or several employees will not only show ethics, care and respect, but will indirectly invest in its corporate social responsibility, corporate image, employer brand image and employee motivation. Thus clearly mitigating financial, ethical and legal risks. Definitely worth the investment !
To understand the difference between outplacement, career coaching and skills assessment
To learn more more about outplacement and career transition
To speak to a competent outplacement provider and certified coach for your company , get in touch with Leadingenius today !
