Is Your Company Facing Downsizing, Rightsizing, or Layoffs? How Outplacement Services Can Drive Success
Restructuring is often necessary for businesses to grow and evolve. But poorly handled transitions can damage morale, attract negative press, trigger lawsuits, and spike your unemployment tax rate.
Layoffs are never easy. But smart companies know that how you handle workforce transitions can define your culture, shape your reputation, and even give you a competitive edge. That’s why forward-thinking organizations are investing in outplacement services—not just as a perk, but as a strategic tool.
In times of restructuring, these services offer powerful support to both employers and employees. Done right, outplacement services can transform difficult moments into a strategic advantage for everyone involved.
Outplacement services help smart companies…
Protect their brand by showing that they treat people with dignity and respect—even during tough times.
Reduce legal risks by providing structured support and reducing resentment or wrongful termination claims.
Lower unemployment insurance costs by reducing the time former employees stay on unemployment benefits.
By proactively supporting transitioning employees, companies maintain trust with current staff, attract top future talent, and position themselves as values-driven leaders in their industry.
For Former Employees, Outplacement Services Can Be a Game-Changer
A career transition can be a major setback—but with the right support, it can open doors to greater professional opportunities. Outplacement services offer customized, strategic career support that helps professionals navigate change efficiently—often resulting in stronger positioning and better opportunities.
Outplacement services empower job seekers to…
Clarify their next career move through one-on-one coaching that aligns skills with market opportunities.
Build standout resumes and LinkedIn profiles that communicate value, not just experience.
Sharpen interview skills with real-time practice and feedback, so they show up confident and prepared.
Stay positive and focused with mindset coaching, job search structure, and a clear action plan.
Most importantly, outplacement can transform the job search from a lonely, confusing process into a supported journey with expert guidance at every step.
PRO TIP: Life Working’s client-centered 10-step outplacement program provides the customized, nuanced advice departing employees need to feel more confident and find jobs more quickly. Everyone wins.
Now that you know how valuable outplacement services can be, how can you put this to work for you?
Actionable Steps for Employers
If your company is planning workforce changes, we recommend partnering with an outplacement firm like Life Working® early in the process. We maintain complete confidentiality throughout, and informing affected employees upfront that they'll receive job search support helps maintain their confidence and minimizes workplace disruption for all staff.
When it comes to choosing your outplacement partner, you can go with a large, well-known firm or choose a smaller, more personalized provider. At first glance, the scale and technology offerings of big-name firms may seem impressive. But a closer look reveals a growing gap between what these firms promise and what transitioning employees actually receive. In an effort to cut costs, some large outplacement providers have increasingly shifted toward impersonal, web-based solutions—group enrollments, e-learning modules, and limited access to live consultants.
In fact, The Wall Street Journal reported that <15% of services from large outplacement firms involve one-on-one coaching. By contrast, smaller outplacement firms tend to prioritize quality over quantity, ensuring that every displaced employee receives 100% individualized coaching with a dedicated career strategist.
At Life Working®, resumes are not churned out through templates or AI but are thoughtfully written and tailored to the individual’s goals. Billing is tied to engagement, not just enrollment, ensuring accountability and a true partnership. For companies that want to genuinely support their employees—and preserve their own brand in the process—smaller firms offer not only a more compassionate experience, but also a better business case for ROI.
Regardless of whether a large or small, boutique firm best fits your outplacement needs, when deciding on a qualified outplacement firm to hire, we at Life Working® recommend:
Selecting a provider based on its track record in clients landing jobs, as well as the quality of its services relative to their costs.
Being sure that the company selected is proficient in both career and job search coaching, in addition to resume and LinkedIn profile writing.
Choosing a provider familiar with your industry, including types of jobs and their requirements.
Asking what types of individual attention each employee can expect.
Commencing outplacement services on the day an employee is laid off.
PRO TIP: Is your business considering staff realignment? Contact Life Working® to learn how we can help make the process more manageable and less disruptive for all. We are a trusted partner of organizations facing downsizing, rightsizing, or layoffs, and we specialize in helping employees get back to work through expert career and job search coaching and resume and LinkedIn writing services.
Actionable Steps for Employees
If you’ve suffered a layoff and your firm is offering outplacement services, we highly recommend that you:
Lean into the support offered—this isn’t the time to go it alone.
Work with your coach to define your ideal next role instead of rushing into the first available job.
Refresh your resume and online presence to match the roles you are targeting.
Follow your coach’s networking strategies to actively build and strengthen your professional connections.
Practice interviewing regularly—confidence comes with preparation.
Stay focused on the future—this may be the moment your next great chapter begins.
Final Thoughts:
Layoffs will always be hard. But how we handle them—whether as leaders or as professionals in transition—can make all the difference. When companies invest in outplacement services, they’re not just doing the right thing; they’re doing the smart thing. And when employees embrace these services, they turn uncertainty into opportunity.
To discuss your company’s outplacement needs and how Life Working® can assist you, please contact us. We are proud of our high standards and the quality of service we can provide to your employees
For employees facing recent layoffs, download our free Career Management Worksheet, schedule a complimentary career discovery session, or explore our Career Assessment Center to identify your perfect role.
A Look Ahead to Our Next Newsletter…
From Rejection to Reinvention: How to Turn a Job Search Slump into a Career Breakthrough. In this motivational post, we’ll show job seekers how to regain momentum when things stall. Learn how to re-energize your job search by redefining your career story and identifying disconnects between your resume, LinkedIn profile, and targeted jobs.
Change is good.
It can also be confusing if you’re not sure where to start.
Feel free to reach out with any questions.
We're here to support you every step of the way on your journey to a fulfilling career!
The Life Working® Writing Services and Career Coaching Team