Navigating Career Transitions: The Value of Outplacement Support by Kathryn Taylor

I’ve been there myself – the moment the restructure is announced, and your role doesn’t feature in the new organogram. It’s a profoundly unsettling experience. For some, it feels like a sudden blow, while for others, it might bring a sense of anticipated relief upon hearing the words, “your role is at risk of redundancy.” Yet, one thing remains certain: change is imminent in one’s career trajectory. 

Despite having encountered redundancy prior to joining, the term ‘Outplacement’ was unfamiliar to me when I first came to work for h2h. Similarly, many of the clients we engage with in our newleaf programmes express a similar lack of awareness. Also referred to as career transition services, outplacement is a service offered by employers or outsourced specialists to aid employees in securing new employment opportunities. 

h2h has been delivering newleaf outplacement services for nearly 20 years, assisting hundreds of individuals and groups as they navigate through career transition. Our approach is built upon a unique four-phase framework. 

Initially, we focus on Stabilise. Redundancy constitutes a significant life event; viewing it through the lens of the Kubler-Ross change curve, the stabilisation phase assists individuals in processing shock, denial, and potential frustration. Our qualified career coaches guide individuals through this phase, providing emotional support, practical financial planning tips, and signposts to professional assistance if required. Establishing stability is crucial, laying the groundwork for a positive mindset as individuals embark on their career transition journey. 

Subsequently, we delve into the Explore phase, where the need for support is often most pronounced. However, it’s also during this phase that we witness transformative shifts in thinking. Encouraging divergent thought, we explore various career and lifestyle alternatives, prompting individuals to introspectively evaluate their skills, values, and sources of motivation. This approach fosters a deliberate, focused job search strategy, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their next career move. 

Armed with an enhanced understanding of their transferable skills, values, and aspirations, we progress to the Secure phase—a practical stage designed to equip individuals with the tools to navigate today’s competitive job market. From refining CVs and honing interview techniques to leveraging LinkedIn effectively or even venturing into entrepreneurship, our career coaches work closely with individuals to share their expertise and ensure individuals can pitch the very best version of themselves.  

Upon successfully securing a new role, our support extends into the Perform stage, facilitating a seamless transition into the new position. We assist individuals in acclimating to their new environment, identifying key stakeholders, and delineating short- and long-term development objectives. 

“The most valuable aspect of a coaching program? Without a doubt, it’s the 1-2-1 sessions. It’s not just about the tailored advice; it’s the human connection, the mental support, and the assurance that you’re not alone in your journey, which can otherwise feel overwhelmingly isolating.” 

Undoubtedly, the prospect of redundancy, or any career transition, is fraught with stress and anxiety. By providing outplacement support to departing employees, both parties benefit—a departing employee feels valued and supported by their former employer, while the employer fulfils its social and moral obligation to safeguard the welfare of departing staff members.