Today’s workforce is without a doubt dynamic, and in the wake of the pandemic, the traditional idea of a finite “goodbye” from a voluntary or involuntary departure between employers and employees has evolved. Today, more organizations are welcoming back former employees—often referred to as boomerang employees—because oftentimes after gaining new experience, they return to synthesize it with their former institutional knowledge, proven performance, and cultural fit. Boomerang employees bring a variety of advantages, that can also include cost savings, reducing recruiting and ramp-up times
But if an employee’s departure was driven by a layoff, whether or not they ever consider returning often comes down to how they were treated on the way out of their organization.
One of the most effective ways for an organization, especially in competitive or niche industries, to leave their door open for a boomerang boom is by investing in long-term relationships by offering career transition solutions, such as outplacement services and career transition coaching.
How do layoffs emotionally affect employees?
Layoffs affect people deeply, shaking their confidence, identity, and security beyond professional or financial implications. How an organization supports its departing employees in that moment of vulnerability has a lasting impact, both on the individuals exiting, the retention of those remaining, and on the company’s brand reputation.
Career Transition Solutions, and more specifically, Outplacement Support, play a key role in softening the disappointment of job loss. These types of services provide people with resources, tools, strategy, and career coaching to support the search for the next role, whether a similar one in a new organization, transitioning into entrepreneurship, consulting, or semi-retirement. Partners International’s Career Transition Program offers these outplacement services with flexibility to meet the unique needs of each individual participating.
Coaches that partner with employees who have been laid off not only provide job search tools, but also much-needed structure, clarity, and one-to-one guidance during an uncertain time. The result? Departing employees feel seen, supported, and respected, which are emotions that linger far longer than the initial reaction.
Why does a positive offboarding experience matter?
There are times when an organization simply needs to reduce labor costs, and there are ways to downsize with compassion. When you look beyond the numbers, there are real people with livelihoods, fears, and concerns. Employees who receive personalized transition and outplacement services and coaching during a workforce reduction are more likely to walk away with a sense of goodwill. They’re also more likely to
- Speak positively about the company in future interviews
- Maintain connections with former colleagues and leaders
- Consider returning if a relevant opportunity arises later
- Share more favorable impressions through word of mouth or online platforms like Glassdoor—helping preserve your employer brand
The experience of a well-supported transition can leave a lasting impression. As one Partners International Outplacement Candidate shared candidly,
“I was a hot mess on that first call, to put it bluntly – scared, depressed, and incoherent. I hadn’t conducted a job search in about 20 years and, to make matters more challenging, I felt like I might need to veer off my chosen career path…Looking back, I find it almost hard to fathom how far, and how fast, I travelled under my coach’s guidance. In short, color me deeply impressed and eternally grateful for an experience that, in the truest sense of the term, was transformative.”
What’s the long-term value of Outplacement Services?
Outplacement services and support does more than help people navigate job loss, it helps them reflect, rebuild, and realign. That positive experience creates a lasting impression of an organization after a layoff
If your organization is planning a reduction in workforce or simply wants to build a more resilient talent strategy, Partners International is here to help. Our Career Transition Practice offers custom tailored outplacement programs with a range of solutions for organization and employees. When the time comes for organizations and employees to separate, our career transition services are designed not just to support exits, but to leave the door open for the possibility of meaningful returns.