Does your HR organization offer the best outplacement? Does it provide real value to your exiting employees? Is it worth the price?
More than ever, outplacement services are a vital resource for employees affected by layoffs. That’s because today’s high-tech hiring processes are changing fast. Job search techniques that used to work well two or three years ago, may be only marginally effective today. Today’s outplacement coaches must stay in step with these changes – such as how recruiters are using AI and LinkedIn.
But what else do the best outplacement providers do? They no longer operate under the assumption that every departing employee wants to replace the full-time job they just left. For some employees, traditional, full-time employment is an out-dated model that no longer reflects how they want to work. Modern outplacement services must reflect this shift and provide coaching support that recognizes the diversity of today’s career paths, from freelance work to active retirement.
In other words, the best outplacement providers go beyond traditional job search. Here are four ways the best outplacement firms deliver relevant services to meet today’s employees’ needs:
1. They Focus on More Than Just Full-Time Job Replacement
The traditional 9-to-5 job isn’t the default career goal for everyone. But many outplacement providers still center their services solely around full-time job search. In doing so, they ignore the growing number of workers who want to explore different possibilities.
Freelancing, consulting, and side hustles are becoming more popular every year. According to Upwork, 39% of the US workforce performs some kind of freelance work. And 27.7 million individuals work independently full-time, a number that has doubled since 2020. That’s roughly 16% of the total US labor force, and it illustrates just how mainstream independent work has become.
Given these trends, the best outplacement support helps employees explore all viable career paths, not just traditional full-time employment. A skilled outplacement coach can help individuals discover how to launch a freelance business, build a consulting practice, or even transition into part-time or project-based roles.
2. They Support Baby Boomers Nearing Retirement
Baby Boomers are retiring in record numbers. About 4.1 million Boomers will turn 65 every year through at least 2027, making this the largest sustained retirement wave in U.S. history. Ever since the Baby Boomers began retiring in 2008, the share of Americans in retirement has climbed sharply, increasing from 15% to nearly 20% of the total population.
But retirement today doesn’t always mean leisure. Many Boomers are seeking “active retirement” through consulting, teaching, volunteering, and other pursuits. One in five retirees has a full-time or part-time job, and many others are self-employed. According to the Pew Research Center, 23% of older workers are self-employed, more than twice the rate of workers ages 25 to 64.
The best outplacement companies meet the needs of all transitioning employees, including those near or at retirement age. Many of these individuals seek purpose-driven career coaching, not just job search assistance. Helping them find the best post-career fit sends a powerful message that your organization values every stage of the employee journey and invests in the full spectrum of its workforce.
3. They Ignite the Rise of Entrepreneurship
As remote work has become more common and many technologies have become more accessible, it’s become easier to start a business, and many have seized the opportunity. According to the US Census Bureau, small business applications have climbed steadily over the past decade, from roughly 250,000 per month in 2015 to more than 450,000 per month in 2025. For many, a layoff is the catalyst. In one survey, 48% of new entrepreneurs said being laid off motivated them to start their own business.
Transitioning employees who want to build something new don’t need to walk away feeling that outplacement counseling can’t help them. A modern outplacement company can equip them with the tools to succeed, including:
- Business planning strategies
- Legal and financial basics
- Coaching on branding, marketing, and digital tools
4. They Don’t Overlook Gig Work and Side Hustles
Freelance work and side hustles are solid career path options for those who don’t want or need a full-time job. Platforms such as Etsy, Fiverr, and Upwork make it even easier to earn income and build a professional brand.
Take Sasha Hutchison, for example. After being laid off from her accounting job, she launched an Etsy shop selling printable templates. By selling spreadsheet templates for budgeting and net worth tracking, she became a top seller on the platform.
Of course, launching a business or side hustle isn’t always the first thought after a layoff. The initial experience often brings sadness, fear, and uncertainty. But as IMPACT Group’s Lauren Herring shared in a recent LinkedIn post, “Job loss feels like the end, but for so many, it becomes the beginning. A better chapter. One they never would have found if they had stayed where they were.”
With the right support, employees can build one or more income streams that align with their lifestyle and professional goals. Outplacement services can help them:
- Identify monetizable skills
- Explore online income platforms
- Understand passive income strategies
Work with the Best Outplacement Company – One that Evolves with Your Workforce
The workforce has changed, and career transitions are more varied and personal than ever before. Your outplacement company should reflect that reality.
At IMPACT Group, we strive to be the best. Our outplacement services include support to help employees consider multiple paths, including consulting, business ownership, gig work, and active retirement.
Is your current outplacement company keeping up? Let’s talk about how to modernize your approach. Book a call with our team today.
