Should you offer outplacement?
Why Small to Medium-Sized Companies Should Invest in Their Departing Employees
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re wondering if you should offer outplacement. This means you’re likely wrestling with one of the toughest parts of running a company—layoffs or terminations.
I get it. These decisions weigh heavy.
They’re not just about numbers on a spreadsheet; they’re about real people—your people—who’ve poured their time and energy into your organization. So, what happens when the tough call is made? How do you ensure that those departing employees land on their feet while keeping your company’s reputation intact?
Small businesses should offer outplacement.
That’s where outplacement services come in—and I’m here to tell you why they’re a game-changer for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
I’m Bryan Creely, the voice behind A Life After Layoff. With years in the recruiting trenches and a social media reach that’s touched millions of professionals, I’ve seen firsthand how career transitions can make or break someone’s trajectory—and how companies can either shine or stumble in the process.
Today, I’m diving into why outplacement isn’t just a “nice-to-have” but a must for SMBs letting employees go. Let’s break it down.
Layoffs Are Tough. Transitions Don’t Have to Be.
Picture this: You’ve built a tight-knit team at your SMB. Everyone knows each other’s coffee orders, and you’ve celebrated wins together. But then, market shifts or budget cuts force your hand, and you’re facing layoffs. It’s gut-wrenching—not just for the employees leaving, but for you and the team staying behind.
The last thing you want is for those departing folks to feel abandoned, left to figure out “what’s next” on their own.
Your reputation matters more than you think.
That’s the human cost of layoffs. And here’s the kicker: how you handle those exits doesn’t just affect the people leaving—it ripples through your remaining workforce and your company’s reputation. Word travels fast, especially in smaller organizations where relationships run deep. If departing employees feel tossed aside, that bitterness can spread like wildfire on Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and, increasingly, TikTok.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Outplacement services—like the ones I offer at A Life After Layoff—are your safety net. They’re about giving your employees a soft landing, arming them with the tools to navigate their next career move with confidence. Think personalized coaching, resume revamps, and job search strategies—all tailored to get them back in the game fast. For SMBs, this isn’t just compassion; it’s a strategic move to protect your brand and keep your culture strong.
And small to medium-sized businesses, especially in the Tech space, do not have the luxury of huge candidate pools. One bad review can sink your reputation.
So the (relatively) small investment is worth it to save your reputation and future recruiting efforts.
Why Outplacement Matters for SMBs (More Than You Think)
Big corporations might have the budget to throw at flashy severance packages, but SMBs? You’re working with tighter margins and leaner teams. That’s exactly why outplacement is such a fit for you. It’s not about adding fluff—it’s about maximizing impact with minimal strain on your resources. Here’s why SMBs should jump on this:
- Reputation Is Everything: In a smaller company, your employer brand is personal. One bad layoff story can hit harder than it would at a faceless mega-corp. Outplacement shows you care—about your people and how the world sees you. It signals to current employees, future hires, and even clients that you’re a stand-up organization.
- Legal and Emotional Risk Mitigation: Layoffs can get messy—think wrongful termination lawsuits or PR headaches. Offering outplacement demonstrates goodwill, reducing the odds of disgruntled ex-employees taking legal swings. Plus, it eases the emotional toll on everyone involved.
- Boomerang Potential: Ever heard of boomerang employees? They’re the ones who leave and come back later, bringing fresh skills and perspectives. SMBs thrive on loyalty, and outplacement keeps that door open. Treat people well on their way out, and they might just return when the time’s right.
- Morale Boost for the Stay-Behinds: Your remaining team is watching. If they see their colleagues get tossed out without support, they’ll wonder, “Am I next?” Outplacement reassures them you’ve got their backs—no matter what.
- Cost-Effective Expertise: SMBs don’t have the bandwidth for in-house career transition programs. Partnering with an outplacement pro like me gives you access to top-tier support without breaking the bank.
Why Partner with A Life After Layoff?
Okay, let’s talk about why my outplacement services are a cut above. I’m not just some faceless consultant—I’m a recruiting veteran who’s built a rather sizeable following (at least, I like to believe so) by dishing out no-nonsense career advice. My audience trusts me because I’ve been in the game, from hiring to firing to helping folks bounce back. When you work with me, you’re tapping into that credibility and visibility.
Here’s what sets A Life After Layoff apart:
- Tailored Transition Support: I don’t do cookie-cutter. Whether it’s one-on-one coaching or group workshops, my programs are built around what your employees need to land their next gig—fast.
- Massive Reach, Real Trust: With millions of professionals tuning into my advice on platforms like LinkedIn and YouTube, your employees get guidance from a voice they already know and respect.
- Reputation Boost: Aligning with me doesn’t just help your employees—it reflects well on you. You’re partnering with a recognized expert who’s all about turning endings into new beginnings.
What You Get: Outplacement That Delivers
So, what does outplacement from A Life After Layoff look like for your SMB? It’s flexible, practical, and designed to fit your budget. Here’s the rundown:
- Personalized Career Coaching: I dive in with your departing employees—think resume overhauls, mock interviews, and job search hacks from a recruiting insider.
- Online Courses: They’ll get access to my signature programs like “Resume Rocket Fuel” (for resumes that pop) and “Interview Mastery” (because nailing the interview is half the battle).
- Group Workshops: Perfect for larger layoffs, these sessions pack a punch without blowing your budget—think live training on networking, LinkedIn optimization, and more.
- Job Market Insights: I’ve got my finger on the pulse of what’s hot in hiring. Your employees will know where the opportunities are and how to chase them.
Whether you’ve got one person exiting or a whole team, I’ve got a package that works. Curious? Hit me up for a free consultation, and we’ll craft something custom for your crew.
The Payoff: Good for Employees, Great for Your Business
Let’s flip the script for a sec. Outplacement isn’t just about your departing employees—it’s a win for your SMB, too. Here’s how:
- Risk Reduction: Showing empathy cuts down on legal blowback and keeps your Glassdoor reviews from tanking. (we all know how employees love to talk and vent, especially on social media!)
- Relationship Gold: Those exiting employees? They could be future hires, clients, or advocates. Outplacement keeps that bridge intact.
- Team Morale: Your current staff stays motivated when they see you’ve got a heart. It’s a culture keeper.
- Brand Shine: Partnering with a visible expert like me makes your SMB look polished and progressive.
I’ve seen it play out time and again: Companies that invest in outplacement come out stronger.
Let’s Make Layoffs Less Painful Together
Here’s the bottom line: Layoffs suck. There’s no sugarcoating it.
But as an SMB leader, you’ve got a chance to turn a rough moment into something positive for your employees and your company. Outplacement isn’t about throwing money at a problem; it’s about investing in people and protecting what you’ve built.
Should you offer outplacement as a small or medium-sized business? The resounding answer is YES! And the good thing is that there are cost-effective options that actually work.
Ready to chat? I’d love to help you craft an outplacement plan that fits your needs—whether it’s a one-off termination or a bigger layoff. With my recruiting chops and a platform that reaches millions, I’ll make sure your workforce gets the support they deserve and your SMB comes out looking like the compassionate, forward-thinking organization it is.
Click below to schedule a free consultation, and let’s get started. Because at A Life After Layoff, we’re all about turning endings into new beginnings—for your employees and your business.
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