When companies go through layoffs, two types of support are often discussed: outplacement services and <\/span>severance packages<\/span><\/a>. While they\u2019re frequently grouped together\u2014or even confused\u2014they serve very different roles in the employee transition process.<\/span><\/p>\n Understanding how each works (and why many organizations offer both) is key to building a compassionate, effective <\/span>offboarding<\/span><\/a> strategy. Severance provides financial support to employees after their employment ends, while outplacement helps them navigate the job search process and transition into new career opportunities. Together, these benefits can ease the impact of job loss, protect employer brand reputation, and demonstrate an organization\u2019s commitment to supporting employees during times of workforce change.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”70px||50px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”40px||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”20px||0px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ pac_drh_column_numbers_tablet=”pac_drh_tab_col_one” pac_drh_column_numbers_phone=”pac_drh_phone_col_one” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”flex-direction:column-reverse;||display:flex;” custom_css_main_element_phone=”flex-direction:column-reverse;||display:flex;” height_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding_phone=”||0px||false|false” sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin_phone=”0px||||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ pac_drh_add_staking_order_tab=”pac_drh_order_tab_two” pac_drh_add_staking_order_mob=”pac_drh_order_mob_two” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”width:100% !important;” custom_css_main_element_phone=”width:100% !important;” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding_phone=”||0px||false|false” sticky_enabled=”0″ disabled_on=”on|off|off”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.intoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/AdobeStock_521557199.jpeg” alt=”An employee signs a severance agreement” title_text=”outplacement-vs-severance-1″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”a372f98e-7183-48eb-ab04-fbf03f4cea38″ width_tablet=”350px” max_width_phone=”83%” custom_margin_tablet=”50px|||100px|false|false” custom_padding=”||20px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|tablet” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”80px|80px|60px|60px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”80px|80px|60px|60px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|20px||20px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” pac_drh_add_staking_order_tab=”pac_drh_order_tab_one” pac_drh_add_staking_order_mob=”pac_drh_order_mob_one” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_vertical=”4px” box_shadow_blur=”59px” box_shadow_spread=”-5px” box_shadow_color=”rgba(27,70,124,0.33)” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”width:100% !important;||float:right !important;” custom_css_main_element_phone=”width:100% !important;||float:right !important;”][et_pb_text module_class=”roboto-flex-regular” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”6ab4d137-05b2-436d-bb99-e9802159b12e” text_font=”Roboto Flex||||||||” text_text_color=”#4a5463″ text_font_size=”20px” text_line_height=”28px” header_2_line_height=”50px” width=”100%” custom_margin=”-24px||||false|false” custom_padding=”|||0px||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin_phone=”-40px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”-24px||||false|false”] While both are offered during layoffs, the difference comes down to <\/span>what kind of support is being provided<\/b>:<\/span><\/p>\n More specifically:<\/span><\/p>\n Severance is typically a one-time payment or time-bound benefit, while outplacement is an ongoing service designed to actively guide the job search process.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”flex-direction:column-reverse;||display:flex;” custom_css_main_element_phone=”flex-direction:column-reverse;||display:flex;” theme_builder_area=”post_content” height_last_edited=”on|phone” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” z_index=”35″ custom_padding=”80px|80px|60px|60px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”80px|80px|60px|60px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”80px|20px||20px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” hover_enabled=”0″ box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_vertical=”4px” box_shadow_blur=”59px” box_shadow_spread=”-5px” box_shadow_color=”rgba(27,70,124,0.33)” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”width:100% !important;||float:right !important;” custom_css_main_element_phone=”width:100% !important;||float:right !important;” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_text module_class=”roboto-slab-regular” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”4a5cbbce-54ce-4d55-95c8-e77b7df7627f” header_2_font=”Roboto Slab||||||||” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_text_color=”#081D4F” custom_margin=”||14px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin_phone=”-30px||14px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||14px||false|false”] Many organizations don\u2019t choose between outplacement and severance\u2014they combine them.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s why:<\/p>\n Severance addresses short-term financial concerns, while outplacement focuses on long-term career outcomes.<\/p>\n Severance can help minimize legal exposure, while outplacement demonstrates a commitment to employees.<\/p>\n Outplacement equips employees with tools and guidance to secure new roles more quickly, reducing the duration of unemployment.<\/p>\n Providing both types of support leads to a more structured, supportive transition\u2014benefiting both departing employees and those who remain.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”width:100% !important;” custom_css_main_element_phone=”width:100% !important;” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding_phone=”0px||||false|false” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.intoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/06\/AdobeStock_911369638.jpeg” alt=”A female HR manager reviews outplacement and severance with an employee during a layoff” title_text=”outplacement-vs-severance-2″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”a372f98e-7183-48eb-ab04-fbf03f4cea38″ z_index=”-199″ width_tablet=”350px” max_width_phone=”83%” custom_margin_tablet=”50px|||100px|false|false” custom_padding=”||20px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|tablet” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f6f6f6″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”2_5″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_font_size=”22px” header_2_font_size=”40px” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_phone=”28px” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin_phone=”-30px||||false|false” header_font_size_tablet=”22px” header_font_size_phone=”22px” header_2_font_size_tablet=”40px”] Relying on severance alone is increasingly seen as incomplete.<\/span><\/p>\n While financial support is critical, it doesn\u2019t actively help employees navigate a competitive job market. Outplacement fills that gap by providing expertise, structure, and accountability during the job search.<\/span><\/p>\n That\u2019s why many modern layoff strategies treat outplacement not as an optional add-on, but as a core component of responsible workforce transition planning.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”careers” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” min_height=”618px” custom_margin=”-36px|||||” custom_padding=”92px||92px||true|” hover_enabled=”0″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ min_height_last_edited=”on|phone” height_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Section” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on” min_height_tablet=”618px” min_height_phone=”618px”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-76px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”||1px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”roboto-slab-regular” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”4a5cbbce-54ce-4d55-95c8-e77b7df7627f” header_2_font=”Roboto Slab||||||||” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_text_color=”#4A5463″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ header_2_font_size_phone=”29px” global_colors_info=”{}” header_2_font_size__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” sticky_enabled=”0″] Severance and <\/span>outplacement services<\/span><\/a> are not interchangeable\u2014they solve different problems and deliver different types of support during workforce transitions.<\/span><\/p>\n Together, these benefits create a more comprehensive transition experience. While severance addresses short-term financial concerns, outplacement focuses on long-term career success. Organizations that offer both demonstrate a commitment to treating employees with dignity and respect during difficult periods of change.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”1_2″ admin_label=”Column” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″] For employers, the advantages extend beyond employee support. Combining severance and outplacement can help protect employer brand reputation, reduce legal and reputational risk, <\/span>maintain employee morale<\/span><\/a>, and reinforce a culture of care and accountability.<\/span><\/p>\n As workforce restructuring continues to be a reality for many organizations, integrating both severance and outplacement into transition planning can help companies balance business needs with compassionate employee support. The result is a smoother separation process, stronger employer-employee relationships, and better outcomes for everyone involved.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/www.intoo.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Frame-29.png” height=”312px” height_tablet=”auto” height_phone=”” height_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”34px||1px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”50px||50px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”50px||65px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”40px|31px|||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”40px|31px|||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”40px|0px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”776fa725-7445-4526-89f3-103d40ab71ab” text_font=”Roboto Flex|700|||||||” header_2_font=”Roboto Flex|700|||||||” header_2_text_align=”left” header_2_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_2_font_size=”40px” header_2_line_height=”44px” header_3_text_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”-15px|-385px||||” custom_margin_tablet=”|0px|||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”|0px|||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”|0px||0px|false|false” header_2_text_align_tablet=”center” header_2_text_align_phone=”center” header_2_text_align_last_edited=”on|tablet” header_3_text_align_tablet=”center” header_3_text_align_phone=”center” header_3_text_align_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”] These two types of support are frequently grouped together, but they serve very different roles in the employee transition process.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"parent":34350,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" INTOO\u2019s outplacement and career mobility solutions to protect your institutional brand and campus culture<\/p>\nVirtual classes. Shrinking enrollment. Socially-distanced student life.<\/strong> Colleges and universities have been hard hit by the effects of the coronavirus\u2014so much so that \u201cthe higher education landscape is now in chaos,\u201d according to The New York Times<\/em>. All of these challenges mean colleges and universities must adapt quickly to survive. <\/span>\n\n$23 billion<\/span> projected decline in higher education revenues in the 2020-21\u00a0academic year\n\nMore than \u2153<\/span> private colleges projected to run out of money within six years\n\n50,904<\/span> number of college workers laid off or furloughed due to COVID-19, as of July 2020\n\nThe impact of higher education furloughs and layoffs on your brand\n\nFacing unprecedented shifts in both student and faculty needs and expectations, higher education must protect their institutional brand as they undergo change in order to continue to attract students and retain top faculty.<\/span>\n\n4 out of 5 Americans (80%) say receiving outplacement services would make them less likely to speak negatively about a former employer if they were to be laid off. 84% of employees will consider leaving their current jobs for a company with a better reputation.\n\nColleges and universities can bolster their long-term outlook by providing career transition benefits to faculty and staff affected by a layoff or other workforce restructuring, while retaining positive relationships with temporarily furloughed faculty and staff to make a quick return more likely as student enrollment numbers improve.<\/span>\n\nINTOO protects your brand reputation while lowering your unemployment costs and reducing the potential for litigation.<\/span>\n\n* Harris Poll<\/a>, Glassdoor<\/a>, LinkedIn<\/a>\n\nHigher Education Outplacement SolutionsINTOO is the trusted career transition service provider for today\u2019s leading higher education institutions.\n\nCOACHING-FIRST APPROACH\n\nCOMPREHENSIVE, PERSONALIZED\n\nON-DEMAND SOLUTION J\n\nJob Seeker Feedback\n<\/span>\n\nExpert advice from higher education professionals\n INTOO\u2019s career coaches include internationally certified career counselors, career management fellows, and professional resume writers. Having developed numerous career development programs and courses now widely used by some of the top colleges and universities, our coaches are trained to work with candidates at all levels\u2014from entry through to executive.<\/span><\/p>\nOur Coaches\n\nhold Master\u2019s degrees\n\nare members of the National Career Development Association and local state associations\n\nhave created and taught career development courses\n Our coaches are committed to continuous learning, service a diverse range of individuals in multiple languages, and have experience supporting candidates with disabilities.<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-39041","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nOutplacement vs. Severance: Key Differences<\/span><\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”roboto-flex-regular” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Roboto Flex||||||||” text_text_color=”#4a5463″ custom_margin=”-16px||10px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_css_main_element=”font-weight:400;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding_phone=”||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”-16px||10px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”-16px||10px||false|false”]
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Why Companies Offer Both<\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”roboto-flex-regular” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Roboto Flex||||||||” text_text_color=”#4a5463″ width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px|0px||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]
1. Cover immediate and long-term needs<\/h3>\n
2. Reduce risk and protect reputation<\/h3>\n
3. Help employees land faster<\/h3>\n
4. Create a more positive exit experience<\/h3>\n
Do You Need Outplacement If You Offer Severance?<\/span><\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”3_5″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin_phone=”-20px||||false|false”]
The Bottom Line<\/span><\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ admin_label=”Row” height_last_edited=”on|phone” height_phone=”971px”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”1_2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin_phone=”-20px||0px||false|false”]
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Explore the INTOO outplacement coaching difference.<\/span><\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”\/demo\/” button_text=”Schedule a demo” button_alignment=”right” button_alignment_tablet=”center” button_alignment_phone=”center” button_alignment_last_edited=”on|tablet” module_class=”large-button green-button-transparent-hover” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” button_text_size=”24px” button_text_color=”#081D4F” button_bg_color=”#75ae34″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” button_font=”Roboto Flex||||||||” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”15px|||31px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”15px|||31px|false|false” custom_margin_phone=”15px|||0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”|35px||35px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|35px||35px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|35px||35px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_main_element=”font-weight:600;” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Career Development and Talent Transition for Higher Education<\/h1>\n