CAREER COACHING IN CASE OF RESTRUCTURING

Having to change jobs because of restructuring is a hard pill to swallow. Especially for employees who have worked for a specific company for many years. “In some cases, it is definitely a grieving process”, explains ACV Puls career coach Kathleen Brants. With this in mind, the Career Guidance Centre immediately offered to guide Makro employees when the supermarket chain closed its doors not too long ago.

“Most people know that trade unions provide legal advice and practical guidance in case of restructuring. But not many people know these trade unions can also offer some psycho-social support”, Kathleen explains.

What did you do in the case of Makro?

Kathleen: “During a trade union meeting, we explained to the employees what career coaching is, and that we can help them in that respect. People appreciated that. Because, in addition to the legal issues they had to deal with at the time, the end of Makro was also a heavy mental blow to many employees. Many of them had been working for that company for 30 years or more. They had often built close friendships in the company, which were also jeopardised by the closure. At times, they were like one big family. In such cases, it isn’t easy to let go of the history they have at the company. During individual coaching sessions, we paid attention to the emotional stories. It’s important that employees can talk about them during the process. Processing the past is essential to be able to work on a new future perspective. And in such cases, it is nice to have someone who says: ‘we won’t let go, we are here for you if you want to talk’.”

But you are no psychologists?

Kathleen: “No. We don’t pretend we are. People who needed to talk to a psychologist were referred to one. But not everyone needed a psychologist. In most cases, people were able to process what was happening themselves, but sometimes they needed a bit of help to get through the grieving process. It’s normal to go through such a process if you have been working for and are connected with a company for that long. In the case of Makro, we have noticed that trade unions can make a difference. And we make a difference with both our individual approach and our webinars and group sessions. We are experimenting with different methods to counsel people. We have noticed that the Makro employees appreciated our approach. Even if we couldn’t provide an immediate solution. Because that is also part of the reality.”

“People go through a grieving process after saying goodbye to a career of many years”

What do you mean?

Kathleen: “You can’t help everyone. Sometimes, the future doesn’t look bright and opportunities are rare. In the case of Makro, we noticed that especially employees in central services quickly found new opportunities. Employees who had been promoted to managerial jobs or employees in marketing or accounting functions found a new job relatively quickly. But finding a new job was more difficult for employees who had had the same job for years, in more executive functions such as sales. Finding a new job can be a difficult process. And people who performed the same job for years often struggle with accepting reality and letting go of the past, which is understandable. It makes sense that they don’t immediately start looking for a new job when they aren’t ready. They need more time to process the blow they were dealt.”

Isn’t this approach similar to outplacement?

Kathleen: “Not really. Outplacement only starts when the entire restructuring has been finished and when people have been dismissed. Our approach starts sooner than that. We prefer to be present during the first staff meetings on restructuring and make our services known. Because if the company is planning serious restructuring, you don’t have to wait until decisions have been made to start thinking about your next steps. You don’t have to wait until your world is turned upside down to start thinking about your own future. Even if your position at the company is unclear, you can start thinking about what you want.”

You also don’t want to start looking for a new job if you believe things will be alright.

Kathleen: “That’s right. As long as you’re fighting to keep your job, it is difficult to imagine another future. And of course, trade unions don’t want to worry people by offering potential solutions outside the company. But it is never too early to start thinking about what you want as an employee. You’re better off taking control of your own situation than being affected by what’s happening around you. Thinking about what you want doesn’t mean you have to change jobs.”

Never Work Alone 2023 | Author: Jan Deceunynck | Image: Dries Luyten