What is outplacement? Definition, objectives and benefits

Outplacement , also known as reclassification support , is a professional support process offered by the employer to an employee leaving the company, often as part of an economic layoff, a PSE or a voluntary departure. This practice, both human and strategic, aims to facilitate the employee’s transition to a new job or a new professional project.

What exactly is outplacement?

Outplacement is an individual or collective support system , generally supported by the employer, which allows the employee to benefit from the help of consulting, coaching and recruitment professionals to successfully make their career transition.

Concretely, outplacement combines several dimensions:

  • Psychological and human support to overcome professional breakdown

  • Strategic support to identify new professional opportunities

  • Concrete tools : coaching, CV redesign, interview training, LinkedIn profile optimization, etc.

The objectives of outplacement

A well-conducted outplacement aims for several concrete and measurable objectives:

  • Accelerate the return to employment by implementing a repositioning strategy on the labor market

  • Restore meaning to the beneficiary’s professional career

  • Explore all options : job search, retraining, entrepreneurship, training, etc.

  • Maintain employability and avoid prolonged periods of inactivity

  • Strengthen self-confidence , often undermined after a forced departure

Who is outplacement intended for?

Outplacement is aimed at:

  • Executives and managers impacted by a social plan or layoff

  • Employees in the context of a negotiated or voluntary departure

  • Companies wishing to offer respectful support to their employees in transition

It can be offered individually (individual outplacement) or on a collective scale (collective outplacement) as part of a reorganization or a PSE.

Concrete benefits for the employee and the company

For the employee:

  • Tailor-made support, at your own pace

  • A regain of confidence and better stress management

  • Access to an active professional network

  • Technical support to formalize your professional project

For the company:

  • A respectful and socially responsible approach

  • An improvement in the employer brand

  • A reduction in social tensions in the context of departure

  • A caring and committed corporate image