Dismissing a team member is not always an easy task to complete. There is a great deal of emotional distress associated with the decision to terminate an employee, and of course, giving the “bad news” is a highly charged situation as well. It becomes evident that dismissing employees is not something you should undertake lightly when considering the potential financial and legal ramifications. This is why the transition process should be handled by a qualified professional.
Once the choice to terminate an employee has been made, it is not uncommon for the employer to battle the emotions accompanying the decision. After all, we are only human, and it can be challenging to maintain a detached and “business-like” attitude during the process. Many people indeed find this extremely difficult, and even if it isn’t, the possibility of a misspoken remark or an inappropriate comment being made during the closing minutes of the termination is too great to leave to chance.
Another compelling reason to work with a professional outplacement company agency is less visible than avoiding unnecessarily costly legal fights. Employing the services of an outplacement firm allows the organization to preserve good connections with its existing employees. Morale issues are crucial in any situation, but they are essential during recession or staff layoffs. Employees need to recognize that the outplacement process has been handled professionally and with utmost respect.
There are several important factors to consider when selecting an outplacement company agency for a company that has never done so before:
The geographic location of the outplacement firm concerning the outplaced employees. No outplaced employee will look forward to having to commute back to their previous employer’s site just because their former employer didn’t take the time to consider how it would affect them. Always consider the goodwill generated with the employee if the outplacement service provider is in a handy location for them.
Examine the resources available from the outplacement firm. Ascertain that the organization you have chosen has a sufficiently inviting and comfortable environment. Remember that the outplaced employees will be coping with various challenges, and creating a friendly atmosphere will assist in making the transition more comfortable for everyone.
Insist on genuine people being employed by the outplacement firm. Some companies operate with a reasonably flippant attitude regarding outplaced employees, which may seem strange. In some instances, employees who have been laid off are essentially left to “do it themselves” with just online resources and books, resulting in a strictly self-directed, electronic model with little or no human contact. As part of the “high touch” model of outplacement, a professional outplacement agency ensures that genuine counselors are available to meet with and advise the outplaced staff member throughout the entire process.
There is no such thing as a typical outplaced employee. Ascertain that the outplacement firm evaluates and customizes the approach following your requirements. A “one size fits all” attitude is unsuitable and should be avoided at all costs.
Make a monetary contribution for what you have consumed. Some outplacement agencies will charge you even if the outplaced employee does not use the services; as long as a contract is in place, you will be billed. With the best outplacement providers, you only pay if and when your outplaced employees use the services.
If you are considering hiring an outplacement services company, keep these points in mind: outplaced employees can become your most loyal supporters if you treat them with dignity and respect; consequently, hire an outplacement firm with a high level of touch and integrity. Keep in mind that business is a “people process,” and outplacement is sometimes an essential aspect of doing business in this day and age.