The Rise Of Virtual Outplacement: Why Employers Are Adopting It
As the world continues to move towards remote work and digital transformation, organizations are now becoming more open to virtual outplacement as the new norm. Virtual outplacement provides displaced employees with support services and career resources electronically. It is an effective and convenient way of transitioning employees during a layoff or downsizing. With virtual outplacement, companies can offer outplacement services without the need for on-site meetings or in-person coaching sessions.
In recent years, virtual outplacement has been gaining traction. According to a survey by HR Daily Advisor, 36% of organizations in 2020 offered virtual outplacement services, up from 20% in 2019. The rise of virtual outplacement can be attributed to several factors, including cost savings, convenience, and flexibility.
Cost Savings
Virtual outplacement services are cost-effective for companies. Traditional outplacement services usually involve on-site meetings and travel expenses. With virtual outplacement, companies can offer the same level of support at a lower cost. This is particularly important for smaller companies that may not have the resources for traditional outplacement services.
By using virtual outplacement, organizations can also save on office space and associated overhead costs. The outplacement provider will handle most of the administrative tasks, including setting up online training sessions and coaching calls. This frees up the company’s HR department to focus on other tasks.
Convenience
Virtual outplacement offers more convenience for displaced employees. Employees can access the services from anywhere, at any time, and on any device. This is particularly useful for individuals who live in remote areas or who are unable to attend on-site career coaching sessions due to distance or schedule conflicts.
Virtual outplacement services are accessible to employees across different time zones and languages. This means that organizations can provide support to their employees regardless of their location or language.
Flexibility
Virtual outplacement services are flexible and customizable. There are many options to choose from, depending on the needs of the employees and the company. Virtual outplacement providers offer a range of services, including career coaching, resume writing, interview preparation, and job search support.
The flexibility of virtual outplacement services means that companies can tailor the program to fit their budget and the needs of their employees. Companies can choose to have a dedicated program for their displaced employees or integrate virtual outplacement into their regular HR processes.
Benefits of virtual outplacement
Virtual outplacement services provide several benefits for both employers and employees. Here are some of the benefits:
1. Positive Employer Branding – Offering virtual outplacement services demonstrates that the company cares about its employees and is committed to helping them succeed even after leaving the organization.
2. Increased Employee Morale – Providing virtual outplacement services can help ease employee anxiety during a layoff or downsizing. This can lead to increased morale and a positive workplace culture.
3. Reduced Litigation Risks – Providing virtual outplacement services can help reduce the likelihood of legal action from displaced employees. Virtual outplacement services can provide additional support to employees that traditional severance packages do not provide.
4. Accelerated Re-Employment – Virtual outplacement services can help displaced employees find new employment opportunities faster. This can reduce the period of unemployment, which is beneficial for both the employee and the company.
Conclusion
Virtual outplacement is a cost-effective, convenient, and flexible way for companies to provide support services to displaced employees. With the rise of remote work and digital transformation, virtual outplacement is becoming an increasingly popular option for organizations. Offering virtual outplacement services can improve the employer branding, boost employee morale, and reduce litigation risks. It is a win-win situation for both employers and employees.
As more organizations continue to adopt virtual outplacement, it is important to find the right provider that can deliver quality services. Companies should look for providers with a track record of success, experience, and the ability to tailor their services to the needs of the organization and its employees. Virtual outplacement is the future of outplacement services, and employers should consider incorporating it into their HR processes.