The task to select an outplacement provider, whether during an annual review of benefits, or in preparation for a reduction in force, can feel overwhelming. So how can you be sure you’re choosing a top outplacement firm? Below, we review the features and benefits that strong programs offer, so that during your evaluation process you can easily compare outplacement companies and find the right benefits for your organization.
Top Outplacement Firms: Key Considerations
The Company
When comparing outplacement vendors, you want to take both a holistic and micro view. Consider each firm’s reputation, its responsiveness to customer needs and requests, and its ability to support your workforce wherever it may be, whether in the U.S. or globally. It may also be important to you that the provider offers cost-effective solutions, and that it can easily scale its solutions quickly to service sudden events. These are just some of the considerations involved with comparing and choosing the right outplacement firm.
Career Coaching
Career coaches are vital to the success of an outplacement program. When evaluating different providers, you’ll want to consider not only the experience of the coaches, but also the method and approach of delivery. For example, is the coaching personalized? Is it offered only during the week or also on weekends? Can participants get coaching without time or session caps? Having this information will ensure you’re making an accurate comparison. It will also help you to choose a program that offers your employees the greatest benefit to expedite their paths to meaningful new employment. There are many other features to consider when looking at coaching services from different providers, so read the list below.
Online Career Center
A resource-rich technology platform is a component of a full-service outplacement program that bolsters coaching by providing tools employees can use on their own and/or with the help of a coach to enrich their job search and transition experience. From assessments to resume builders, job boards to interview practice tools, and workshops to guides, the right outplacement program will offer an easy-to-navigate center for everything a job seeker needs to support their coaching experience.
Implementation
Even the best program won’t be as effective as it could be if impacted employees can’t get started quickly. A worthwhile outplacement provider will have best-in-class account management that ensures you have the support you need where and when you need it. Also check the vendor’s record regarding service outages, and its ability to provide reporting, so that you can be sure you’re getting the right value for your investment.
Selecting a Top Outplacement Provider
Being armed with a comprehensive list of desirable features will help you choose an outplacement company and programs that best suit your needs and that make the greatest difference for your impacted employees. In turn, that choice will make the selection and implementation process easier for your management team, and offer the best protection for your employer brand.
Additional Resources for Selecting a Top Outplacement Vendor
The Essential Guide to Outplacement
How to Get the Best Results from an Outplacement RFP
INTOO’s outplacement program helps employees transition to new jobs through an unlimited number of hours of one-on-one, on-demand coaching from premier career counselors, resume reviews, and other career services. Learn more about how our outplacement program can benefit your company when you’re transitioning employees.
Robyn Kern is a seasoned business writer who has written in the HR, education, technology, and nonprofit spaces. She writes about topics including outplacement, layoffs, career development, internal mobility, candidate experience, succession planning, talent acquisition, and more, with the goal of surfacing workforce trends and educating the HR community on these key topics. Her work has been featured on hrforhr.org and trainingindustry.com.
