Change is inevitable in business. Whether you’re navigating a restructure, downsizing due to market conditions, operationalising for growth or realigning roles post-business merger, tough calls often come with a people impact. Redundancy is one of the hardest decisions a leader will make, and how it’s handled can either protect or damage your brand, workplace culture, and employee trust.
That’s where outplacement support comes in.
What Is Outplacement?
Outplacement, or career transition support, is a professional service provided to employees exiting a business due to redundancy or restructuring. It’s not about sugar-coating the situation, it’s about supporting people to maintain confidence as they look to enter the job market, land on their feet, and maintain the value in their skills and experience to highlight this to future employers.
A good outplacement package typically includes:
- Career Coaching: Identifying strengths, taking stock of what individuals want, career planning options, and focussing on personal and career highlights. Along with strategies to approach job hunting in a way that puts your best self forward.
- CV and Cover Letter Support: Helping individuals articulate their skills and experience confidently.
- Interview Preparation: this is one of the big ones, and we all need help with this! Outplacement supports people to build confidence and skill in articulating value during job interviews, along with salary negotiation if you are successful.
- Job Search Strategy: Guidance on where to look, how to network, promoting your personal brand and getting out there, all while staying motivated.
At The People Project, we often embed outplacement services in the overall restructure planning process with our clients, the entire employee experience during change is important. It shows that you are not only consulting with your people in a collaborative manner, but also thinking about support post employment. It is these small things that make a difference to staff during challenging times, like restructuring.
Why It Matters for People
For employees, redundancy can be a shock to the system. There’s the emotional toll, the sudden uncertainty, and the fear of what’s next. Outplacement doesn’t make it easy, but it makes it easier.
Here’s how it helps:
- Employee experience first : Demonstrates that the business respects their contribution.
- Boosts Confidence: Many employees haven’t job hunted in years; support helps them reframe and re-energise.
- Reduces Stress: Clear next steps reduce the overwhelm of not knowing where to begin.
- Provides Tangible Tools: Interview prep, polished CVs, and job leads aren’t just “nice to haves” they’re essential.
Why It Matters for Employers
Redundancies don’t just affect those leaving, they impact the entire organisation.
It also:
- Protects Brand Reputation: Especially in small, close-knit businesses and industries, how you exit people matters.
- Mitigates Legal Risk: Support can help reduce the likelihood of personal grievances.
- Maintains Morale: Remaining staff are more likely to stay engaged if they see colleagues treated well.
- Reinforces Culture: Demonstrates your commitment to care, even in difficult times.
Tailoring Support to Fit Your Business
Outplacement isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Whether it’s a one-off session, a structured programme over a few weeks, or tailored support for senior leaders, TPP can help you shape an approach that fits. Our executive outplacement services for senior leaders ensures a highly tailored approach that is unique to each persons background, experience and career goals,in their next step.
We also partner with specialist career coaches and recruiters to extend our support network, ensuring a holistic experience is received.
Learn more about our Change & Restructures, Employment Relations, and HR Compliance services.
Letting Go with Care Isn’t Optional, It’s Leadership
How you handle change defines your leadership. Offering outplacement is not about ticking a box; it’s about doing what’s right by your people and your business.
If you’re planning or navigating a restructure, let’s talk about how we can support both you and your team through the process, practically, legally, and authentically. Our team of experienced HR consultants is here to help.