However, companies often mistake this valuable benefit for a bargaining chip rather than a critical resource that helps both sides move forward. It happens when decision-makers view outplacement as a point of leverage, awarding it only after departing staff complete separation agreements or at the end of a rescission period.

Typically, a cautious outlook or excessive legal concern (rather than intentional bias) fuels this reaction. However, the problem with wielding outplacement as a stick is that it hurts both the company and the employee.

For individuals, this tactic can:

• Delay much-needed career support—sometimes for weeks or months
• Create unnecessary pressure and add friction to an already stressful situation
• Amplify an adversarial perspective

For businesses, the result can be a poor separation that:

• Negatively impacts brand reputation in the market
• Reduces cooperation during the transition process
• Makes it more difficult for the organization to move forward

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Extend the Carrot with Immediate Outplacement

When transition support begins immediately, it generally results in better outcomes for all involved. I recommend using transition services as an incentive and enabler—in other words, a “carrot” approach.

In this scenario, the company grants access to outplacement support as soon it notifies senior leaders of an impending separation. Outplacement services for director, VP and C-suite roles typically include personal discovery, career consulting and one-on-one coaching; tactical support such as resume development and LinkedIn training; collaboration on a personalized job search strategy; and even interview preparation and offer negotiation tips.

While it’s still necessary to complete the appropriate legal agreements and finalize a transition plan, leading with career resources shows good faith and smooths the way for these efforts.

Early access to outplacement is particularly important:

• With departing (or even retiring) C-suite executives
• When separation is a surprise for the individual
• If the notification is done early, leaving weeks or months of employment before a final separation date
• For staff expected to provide training, knowledge transfer or support to others prior to exit

In these instances, outplacement services can lessen the impact of departure, remove unproductive emotions from the transition and create an environment that fosters communication and cooperation.

Show Empathy, Dignity and Support

The right approach is especially critical in the current climate. Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic last spring, corporate executives have navigated numerous challenges, from pivoting business models and protecting worker safety, to managing through temporary closures and weighing issues of racial justice. Many took sizable pay cuts to sustain their organizations.

While economic realities may still dictate eliminating some of these key positions, brand-savvy human resources teams (and even corporate boards of directors) should recognize the outsized efforts of key executives during the past few months.

A separation that’s conducted with empathy, dignity and adequate support is critical. Organizations that overlook crisis leadership risk appearing tone-deaf to current employees, potential new hires and even customers.

Focus on Outcomes, Not Time-Based Services

Immediate support is just one important criteria when selecting outplacement services for key executives.

Other considerations for a successful separation include:

• Outcome-based services. Time-based outplacement heightens the pressure for executives during an already stressful time, and usually expires long before senior leaders land their next opportunity. Outcome-based services provide the same support without time constraints.
• One-on-one support. Many firms rely on webinars and digital tools, when in reality, senior leaders find more benefit in peer-to-peer outplacement engagements. Opportunities for one-on-one coaching let each executive tailor career services to meet their specific goals.
• Experienced consultants. Tenured leaders deserve equivalent expertise in their outplacement team, as well as resources who understand the unique challenges that executives face. There’s no substitute for the insights and rapport an experienced outplacement consultant can deliver.

Every transition presents the opportunity to chart a new course. And while no organization relishes making difficult choices about their workforce, when respect, compassion and appropriate resources accompany those decisions, it creates stronger outcomes for all involved.

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