International Outplacement Developments

Opinions of CareerNet International™ Partners

Traditionally Outplacement has been a service reserved for executives to help them to get back into the job market.

Question 1:
However, as times have changed and the industry has evolved is this still the case?
Question 2:
Are there significant differences in Outplacement provision around the world?

• Bert Lagerweij, consultant at Van Ede in the Netherlands, and Director of CNI:
'Since the nineties companies in the Netherlands have generally provided Outplacement support as part of a social plan in the case of larger reorganizations at all levels, and since 2003 Outplacement support has become compulsory for unemployed white collar staff following a half year of government unemployment compensation.'

• Jacques Bussy, Director at OasYs, Switzerland (French speaking zone) and
   Rolf Erny, MD of trans_m, Switzerland (German speaking zone):
'Almost all larger employers in Switzerland provide access to Outplacement / Career Transition support at all levels, albeit that there is no legal requirement to provide support to redundant staff... a growing trend in Switzerland is to offer Outplacement more to middle/upper management with tailored personalized Coaching for top management.’

• Cigdem Koseoglu of OneWorld Consulting in Turkey:
'In Turkey, organizations are becoming increasingly aware that the negative effects of downsizing can be reduced by sensitive handling of redundant employees...as in other countries, organizations in Turkey are looking for customized, flexible Outplacement activities at all levels to suit a range of company budgets.’

• Jens Daa Hankert, Director at AS3 Companies in Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland:
‘Organizations across Scandinavia are becoming increasingly aware of the impact of dismissal on the company image and brand and it is increasingly common that Outplacement services are offered to employees at all levels – from blue-collar to top executives.’

• Hans Hay, MD at Humanus Consulting, in Spain and Portugal:
‘As a region actively involved in international Career Transition referrals, differences between Outplacement provision expectations around the world are narrowing, with similar levels of support provided at all levels, albeit that there remain notable differences in fees charged for the service from country to country.’

• Clayton Glen, Chief Executive at HDA, United Kingdom and Director of CNI:
‘Global trends, (including those within the UK), point towards a professional Outplacement / Career Transition sector increasingly being required by organizations to provide internationally scalable and competitive Career Transition solutions, delivered by local experts, which enhance the employer brand and improve ‘survivor’ engagement.’