Separation Planning and Onsite Support
Essential for effective and successful transitionsSeparation planning
Whether your company is transitioning a few people or thousands, Lee Hecht Harrison has the tools, technology and expertise to help you with separation planning and manage the outplacement and career transition process from start to finish.
We provide assistance with the pre-event planning that is essential for effective and successful transitions to address needs of individuals directly and indirectly impacted by an event across the organization. You will receive strategic advice and tactical guidance on your communication strategy, project planning and milestones, and effective manager notification training.x
Given the importance of effectively handling the notification process, pre-planning discussions are a critical first step to the transition process. Setting a positive tone and conveying the right amount of concern and support goes a long way for both the affected employee and your organization.
If there will be several separated individuals, we recommend scheduling a pre-planning session between the notifying managers and LHH to review meeting communications and logistics.
On the day of notification, you can expect a full range of emotions, not just from the affected employees, but also on the part of the managers who are conducting these meetings. Most managers are uncomfortable and/or inexperienced with this assignment, even with coaching by Human Resources. Often, it is more stressful for the notifying manager than the associate being notified.
LHH can help your managers prepare for and structure the meeting, effectively addressing key issues during the notification conversation, anticipating possible reactions, responding appropriately to the emotions and issues raised, and communicating the next steps. By understanding how to conduct legally sound separations with skill and sensitivity, notifying managers become more comfortable with the process and achieve better outcomes.
LHH strongly recommends having our consultants hold either one-on-one or small-group orientation sessions immediately following notification. The primary objective of these meetings is to provide an opportunity for employees to express feelings about leaving the organization and start to focus on the future rather than on the past. These meetings allow our trained career consultants to explain the services being offered and identify any individuals who may need immediate assistance or follow-up.