By: Richard Butz
As founder of The Center For Leadership Excellence’s Outplacement practice in 1981, I am disappointed and frustrated by the fact that only 44% of companies provide an Outplacement Benefit to any employee they transition out of their organization.
Nearly every executive I know cares about their employees, but why don’t some leaders care enough to support them emotionally, as well as with job search support – the one benefit an employee needs most when they lose their job?
When an individual loses their job, it’s normal for them to feel hurt, angry, vulnerable, or even betrayed. Beyond the loss of income, losing a job can mean a loss of professional identity, diminished self-confidence, and the loss of one’s social network as well as the end of a familiar daily routine. By providing the benefit of a certified Career Coach, the organization helps ensure the individual can deal with the stress of losing their job and sets their job search on the right track.
From the organization’s perspective, the cost of a Personal Career Coach as a benefit typically amounts to less than two weeks of the individual’s salary and generates a very high return on their investment. It demonstrates, to both existing and departing employees, that the organization cares about its people, even beyond their employment with the organization.
From the individual receiving the Outplacement Benefit, it is not uncommon for our coaches to hear the following – “Having a Career Coach was one of the best benefits my former employer provided.”
Make certain your organization includes a certified, Personal Career Coach as part of the severance package for individuals being transitioned out of your organization. Learn more about what services are provided by a career coach at www.cleindy.com/outplacement or contact Jane Richardson, at (317) 652-1681 or jrichardson@cleindy.com.