Before and After a Layoff: Resources Available for Businesses

Layoffs are a delicate phase in the world of human resources, involving legal, human, and organizational challenges. To facilitate the transition for all parties involved, thorough preparation and adequate support are essential. In this article, we will explore the resources available to businesses before, during, and after a layoff, highlighting the key steps to consider and how Leduc HR can intervene in this process.

Before: Support in Preparation and Planning

The preparation for a termination is a phase that requires special attention and a thorough understanding of the legal, human, and organizational aspects involved. Being well-advised before undertaking a termination ensures a more effective implementation, thus facilitating the transition for all parties involved. Here are some key steps to consider:

Seek Expert Advice

Employers can consult with labor law attorneys to ensure they comply with all applicable laws and regulations when dismissing an employee. This includes understanding legal obligations such as notice periods, severance payments, and justified reasons for dismissal.

Additionally, employing a human resources expert to advise on the preparation and implementation of layoff policies and procedures in compliance with the law is beneficial. An HR specialist can provide guidance on how to manage communications with employees and minimize negative impacts on the remaining team. Leduc HR can support you with its experienced human resources specialists to ensure an effective and humane management of this delicate process.

Centralized Planning and Coordination Support

When you need to juggle announcements across multiple locations, whether within a single business premise or across several geographically dispersed sites, it's essential to ensure that the process unfolds uniformly and professionally, regardless of where it's implemented.

Leduc HR provides centralized support for coordinating and planning interventions, whether they are local, national, or international. This centralization allows businesses to effectively manage the termination process and ensure that all steps are consistently and professionally followed, regardless of location. This includes managing communications, announcement logistics, and providing support to managers during the announcement process.

Preparing Your Teams

Change management training can assist managers in addressing terminations sensitively and respectfully while maintaining the morale and productivity of remaining employees. Leduc HR offers short training sessions to equip managers with the necessary skills to navigate this period of change. These training sessions cover aspects such as empathetic communication and emotion management."

Anticipating Psychological Support

Employees can benefit from psychological support services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to help them manage the stress and anxiety associated with the end of their employment. Providing access to the EAP for a certain period after the end of employment allows employees to receive continuous support, facilitating a smoother transition.

On the day of the announcement, Leduc HR can deploy an organizational psychologist on-site to provide immediate intervention for terminated employees. This on-site presence is crucial for offering professional emotional support from the outset, enabling quick intervention and defusing any panic situations that may arise.

Providing Career Transition Support

It is important to plan the type of support to be given to dismissed employees to help them in their career transition. Leduc RH offers Career Transition Services, also known as Outplacement, which include :

• Individual Coaching: Each terminated employee receives personalized coaching to explore career options, enhance job search skills, and prepare effective application tools.
• Group Workshops: Organizing virtual or in-person workshops on topics such as the selection process, ageism, artificial intelligence, interview preparation, and networking strategies.
• Access to Online Resources: Terminated employees have exclusive access to a range of online resources, including job boards, training materials, and career management tools.
  
  

During the Termination Announcement

The announcement of a termination must be made with care and empathy. Clear and respectful communication is essential to facilitate the notification process.

Assistance on Announcement Day

The step of announcing one or more terminations requires special attention to ensure that employees receive immediate support. Leduc RH supports organizations by mobilizing a team of certified career transition coaches to intervene immediately after the announcement, offering immediate reassurance that will continue in the days and weeks following the announcement through career transition programs.

Organizational Psychologist

An organizational psychologist is mobilized to provide prompt support to individuals requiring professional emotional support. This resource assists employees in coping with the initial shock. This support helps create an environment conducive to transition

Communication and Follow-Up

A report of the interventions is provided to the organization within 24 to 48 hours following the announcement. This enables the company to stay informed about the progress and needs of terminated employees and to adjust the support offered accordingly.

After Termination 

Direct and Individual Communication (Wellness Check)

Professional coaches from Leduc RH communicate individually with each notified individual within 24 to 48 hours following the announcement. This communication aims to ensure their well-being, address their questions, and detail the provided support.

Leduc RH establishes a 1-800 line to allow employees to access a dedicated career transition and management resource confidentially. This line offers continuous support and practical advice to help employees navigate this period of change.

Career Transition Support

Following the initial announcement, employees are invited to an initial meeting with their coach to guide them through their career transition program. This program is designed to address the specific needs of each individual and help them navigate this period of change with confidence and clarity.

Conclusion

The termination process poses a significant challenge for any organization, but with adequate preparation and appropriate support, it is possible to minimize the negative impact on all parties involved. Leduc RH is here to support employers and employees at every step of this process, offering outplacement services, manager training, and psychological support. Leduc RH has been accompanying and facilitating organizational changes locally and internationally for over 30 years.