Losing your job is one of the top five traumatic experiences a person can go through in life. For many, work is much more than something they do from 9-5. Sure, it’s their financial livelihood, but it’s also their identity and their passion. While they may not define their job as a secure base – something that provides a sense of protection, gives a sense of comfort, and offers a source of energy – it is. This is what makes job loss emotionally taxing for individuals, and it’s why a compassionate outplacement program is so important.
“The grief cycle often follows as the person processes the news,” states Dr. George Kohlrieser, Professor of Leadership at IMD in Switzerland and experienced hostage negotiator. He conducted extensive research on leadership styles and the characteristics secure base leaders display daily. “Active grieving and the pain of the loss prohibits people from moving forward. Hopelessness and depression can take over without having a secure base.”
Some people feel a secure base more acutely than others.
Secure bases take a variety of forms. They can be a parent, a friend, a coach, a boss, religion, or memories. They inspire us to see beauty, opportunities, and the positive in life. “Secure bases are so important because people feel empowered and inspired to take risks and embrace change. They also boost an individual’s self-esteem,” shares Dr. Kohlrieser. “Ultimately, they empower us to be successful and achieve our goals.”
The sudden loss of a job — a secure base – paralyzes some individuals. They are unsure of how to move forward. This is especially true if the person does not have a strong base outside of the office. While some separated employees bounce back quickly, the grief cycle may take longer for those without a secure base to turn to for support.
A compassionate outplacement program is necessary to launch separated employees into a bright future.
Job search support is important to help separated employees move forward. It’s also critical in providing a new secure base so they are confident. But job search assistance on it’s own isn’t enough. A caring, compassionate coach is key.
Coaches do much more than prepare the individual for their job search. They help the individual process the painful news, assess their career aspirations, and find the confidence they need to move into the future with hope. This coach becomes a secure base while the person moves through the process of re-establishing their career. They can then move forward faster with an outplacement program than they would on their own.
IMPACT Group’s career coaches understand compassion is essential to meet the person at their deepest point of loss. Their decades of experience have prepared them for every reaction. They know a flexible approach is vital for the individual to succeed.
IMPACT Group is one of the few outplacement firms that takes a compassionate approach to outplacement programs. Our customers are never treated like a number on a spreadsheet. We know it’s crucial for the individual to work with the same coach throughout the job search process. This provides the consistent secure base they need to accept the job loss and take positive steps forward.
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