The Job Keeper Program ended on March 28, 2021. However, these are unusual times. The Australian economy is recovering, and the job market is trending positively, but we are still living with the pandemic and the impact of no Job Keeper support is creating uncertainty and anxiety for the many companies that have relied on it to continue to operate. In the coming months, companies will have to make difficult decisions about the future of their business and the impact on employees. Employees of course feel anxious about the financial impacts of potentially losing a job.

The most effective way for companies to support employees is to provide proactive career planning for employees, or in the case of staff cuts, an outplacement program to help employees be job market ready to transition to the next role.

For many companies facing a difficult operating environment and an uncertain future supporting employee with career planning may not be top of mind. However, it is the right thing to do, from a business reputation standpoint and from an employee’s mental health perspective. The good news is there are things that organisations can do to give employees control, manage their anxiety, and give them the best chance to transition to a new role.

By providing exiting employees with an outplacement program, companies are proactively demonstrating that they value their employees and will support them through tough times.

Investing and supporting employees with professional career coaching has immense benefits. Despite the initial anxiety of staff cuts and job losses a good career coach, with a defined process can help employees focus on prospective job opportunities, regain confidence, self-esteem and, ultimately, employment.