Partner with an Expert in Career Transition Services

Job loss is one of the most stressful life events a person can experience, consistently ranking in the top ten alongside divorce, serious illness and the death of a loved one. The emotional and psychological impact of losing one’s job extends far beyond financial concerns — being laid off has been shown to dramatically increase the risk of developing a health condition within 15 to 18 months. Additionally, research highlights the psychological trauma that many exiting employees endure, making career transition a deeply personal and sensitive matter. 

Beyond the toll on individuals, layoffs can create significant challenges for organizations. A poorly managed reduction in force (RIF) can inflict long-term damage on an employer’s brand, not to mention heightening the risk of decreased productivity and lowered morale of remaining employees.  

Harvard Business School professor Sandra Sucher emphasizes the often-overlooked hidden costs of layoffs, warning that mishandled workforce transitions can take years for companies to recover from. But why do reductions in force (RIFs) frequently lead to long-term negative consequences? Organizations often face declining employee engagement, increased turnover among top talent and lasting reputational damage — challenges that can ripple across the business, affecting productivity, morale and future hiring efforts. 

This blog will explore the critical role of career transition services — also called outplacement — in mitigating the above risks to your organization and your people. In doing so, it will discuss why companies must prioritize a structured, supportive approach to layoffs. We will cover: 

• What career transition services entail 

• The benefits of investing in outplacement 

• The risks of neglecting career transition support 

• Why Right Management is the ideal outplacement partner 

• A case study demonstrating Right Management’s impact 

What is Outplacement, and What Is Included in Outplacement Programs? 

Outplacement and career transition services provide structured support to employees who are exiting an organization. These services help individuals navigate job loss with confidence, equipping them with the tools and resources needed to secure new employment opportunities effectively. A robust outplacement program typically includes the following: 

• Personalized Career Coaching: One-on-one guidance from experienced career coaches who help exiting employees assess their skills, explore career options and develop job search strategies tailored to their individual goals. 

• Resume Development and Optimization: Assistance in crafting professional, achievement-focused resumes that align with industry best practices and increase the likelihood of catching recruiters’ attention. 

• LinkedIn and Social Media Optimization: Guidance on enhancing online presence, improving LinkedIn profiles and leveraging social media for job searching.  

• Interview Preparation and Practice: Mock interviews, coaching on answering tough questions and guidance on presenting oneself effectively to potential employers. 

• Networking Support and Job Market Insights: Helping candidates expand their professional networks and leverage connections to identify new job opportunities more quickly. 

• Access to Online Career Portals and Resources: Tools, templates and training modules to support job seekers in optimizing their job search and preparing for future roles. 

• Emotional and Psychological Support: Resources to help employees manage the stress of career transitions and maintain confidence throughout the job search process. 

From Enhancing Talent Retention to Protecting Your Brand: The Benefits of Investing in Career Transition Services 

Organizations that proactively invest in career transition services gain significant advantages, not only for departing employees but also for the business as a whole. Providing outplacement support demonstrates corporate responsibility and safeguards the company’s long-term reputation. The key benefits include: 

• Protecting Your Employer Brand: Layoffs can damage an organization’s reputation among customers, employees and prospective hires. Outplacement services show that a company values its workforce, helping to preserve goodwill and maintain a positive public image.  

• Maintaining Employee Morale and Engagement: When remaining employees see their departing colleagues being treated with respect and provided with career support, it fosters trust in leadership and reassures them that they are part of a company that genuinely cares about its workforce. This, in turn, lifts morale, boosts employee engagement and maintains productivity, even in hard times.  

• Reducing Legal Risks and Liability: Career transition services can mitigate potential lawsuits and wrongful termination claims by providing structured support and demonstrating that the organization is handling layoffs ethically and professionally.  

• Enhancing Talent Attraction and Retention: Companies known for treating employees well, even during difficult transitions, are more likely to attract and retain top-tier talent in the future. By investing in outplacement, you ensure your organization remains an employer of choice.  

• Shortening Job Search Duration for Departing Employees: Outplacement programs provide individuals with targeted job search strategies, improving their ability to secure new employment faster and reducing financial stress. 

From Decreased Employee Engagement to Operational Disruptions: The Risks of Not Investing in Outplacement 

Failing to provide career transition support can lead to numerous challenges for both individuals and organizations. The risks of neglecting outplacement include: 

• Reputational Damage: Organizations that handle layoffs poorly often experience negative media coverage, damaging online reviews from former employees and declining trust from stakeholders. This damage can take years to repair. 

• Decreased Employee Engagement, Productivity and Performance: When employees see their colleagues being dismissed without adequate support, fear and uncertainty spread. This often leads to lower engagement and diminished productivity. 

• Higher Voluntary Turnover Among Top Performers: Talented employees may leave preemptively, seeking stability at organizations known for prioritizing employee well-being. The risks of losing your best people are high; one study found that a layoff affecting just 1% of the workforce led to a 31% increase in voluntary turnover.   

• Legal and Compliance Risks: Disgruntled employees who feel they are unfairly treated are more likely to pursue legal action, creating costly litigation risks. 

• Long-Term Cultural and Operational Disruptions: Layoffs without proper transition support can create a culture of distrust, eroding company culture and long-term organizational health. 

Why Right Management Is the Ideal Partner for Outplacement Services 

Right Management is a global leader in career transition and outplacement services, with over 40 years of experience helping organizations navigate workforce transformations effectively. Our tailored outplacement solutions ensure seamless support for both organizations and their impacted employees. Here’s why companies choose Right Management over our competitors: 

• Expert Coaches: Our diverse and highly experienced coaching bench ensures that every individual receives personalized guidance tailored to their unique needs and career aspirations. In fact, all our coaches are of ICF-certified (or equivalent), and 65% hold advanced degrees.  

• Scalability for Organizations of All Sizes: We provide solutions that scale seamlessly, whether supporting mid-size firms and small transitions or managing large-scale workforce transformations globally. 

• World-Class NPS Score & Proven Track Record: Right Management consistently earns top ratings for client satisfaction. With a World-Class Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 85, clients know they gain exceptional career transition experiences when partnering with us. 

• Customized Outplacement Programs: Our solutions are tailored to business needs and individual circumstances, ensuring maximum impact and effectiveness for all parties (both the organization and exiting employees). 

• Recognition as an Industry Leader: Everest Group’s PEAK Matrix routinely recognizes us as a Leader and Star Performer, affirming our position as a top-tier career transition provider.  

• Cutting-Edge Technology: We leverage cutting-edge technology to provide access to on-demand resources while enhancing the human connection between coaches and job seekers. Our technology platforms offer virtual interview simulations, career guidance assessments, a resume builder, upskilling courses and webinars, as well as enable one-on-one coaching and job searching. 

• Diverse Coaching Bench for a Diverse Workforce: Our team includes experts from a wide range of demographic and industry backgrounds, ensuring cultural and sector-specific relevance for transitioning employees worldwide. 

• Comprehensive Services: From career coaching to resume assistance, networking support and job search strategies, we offer comprehensive outplacement services and a holistic approach to career transitions. 

Proven Outplacement Program Success: A Right Management Case Study  

Every workforce transition presents unique challenges, and the right outplacement support can make a measurable difference in outcomes. The following case study shows how Right Management successfully guided a global organization through a significant workforce reduction while maintaining confidentiality, employee trust and business continuity. 

The Scenario 

A global retailer operating in 42 countries required a reduction in force of 1,300 employees across multiple regions. Given their commitment to confidentiality, they needed a career transition partner capable of managing the RIF discreetly and effectively. Having supported this organization through previous workforce transformations, Right Management was their trusted advisor. 

The Solution 

Right Management assigned a dedicated account team to oversee all stages of the RIF, ensuring smooth execution and coordination across impacted locations. Our services included: 

• Strategic planning meetings to align objectives and expectations 

• Best practice guidance on messaging and communication 

• Information sessions for impacted employees to navigate the transition 

• Change management strategies for remaining employees 

The Outcome 

• 98.6% satisfaction rate among impacted employees 

• 100% client satisfaction with the transition process 

Take the Next Step: Invest in Career Transition Services with Right Management  

Navigating workforce reductions is challenging, but investing in career transition services ensures that organizations handle these changes with care, professionalism and foresight. Right Management stands as the premier partner for career transition, offering industry-leading expertise, scalability and a proven track record of success.