Case Study

Supporting Individuals Working Through A Notice Period

A risk management organization found itself in the position of notifying over fifty corporate employees that their jobs were being eliminated due to divestiture. With a limited budget, the organization spoke to several providers to determine what, if anything they might be able to offer, relating to outplacement programs. They were keen to ensure that the group stayed productive, motivated and forward looking during what would be an extended notice period (of over six months).

In the course of several discussions and meetings, various options were explored that:

• Addressed costs and accommodated budget constraints
• Provided support that would be of real value to employees impacted
• Enabled employees to begin their programs while serving their notice periods

Action:

In partnership with our client, AJO designed a customized program that consisted of the following components:

1. Four group workshops, each of two days duration. These were delivered at AJO’s office over a two month period, while employees were still working
2. Three hours of individual consulting that each employee could spend with an assigned AJO consultant once he/she was off payroll. This personalized attention was designed so that each person’s unique needs would be met
3. AJO Portal Until Successful Transition providing access to tools, resources and learning that would be available 24/7

Results:

• Word of mouth feedback on the workshop and the AJO workshop facilitator resulted in 96% attendance among the impacted group over the course of the four workshops
• Self-reported job market and job search knowledge increased from 2.6 before the workshop to 4.6 after the workshop (based on a 5.0 scale)
• The organization acknowledged that not only was this the right thing for their employees, but they had also created a more positive environment as individuals served their notice periods

Marie Tanzi, AJO’s VP of Career Transition Services highlighted best practices demonstrated by our client. “All the goals identified and agreed during the design phase were fully accomplished, thanks to the caring, compassion and close partnership between our two organizations. At AJO, we are strong advocates of allowing employees to start services when extended notice periods are in play. It’s a win/win for the individual and the organization, as this case study clearly demonstrates.”