For more than 25 years, Belgian HR company Daoust has been supporting redundant employees in their career transition. Its structured, personalised support programme currently boasts a re-employment rate of 70%.
When an employment contract ends, everything happens very quickly: administrative procedures, searching for a job, doubts... Where to start? At this precise moment, the key is not to face the aftermath alone. This is where outplacement, as practised at Daoust, comes in..
What is outplacement?
Outplacement is a set of guidance services offered to people who have been made redundant, at the request of their employer. This scheme is regulated by law, particularly for those aged 45 and over or when the notice period exceeds 30 weeks. The aim is to support a return to work, a career change or even a new project, including self-employment.
At Daoust, support always begins by listening. ‘Redundancy is often a shock and can sometimes be sudden,’ says Aurélie Vrebosch, manager in the agency's Career Management department. Before any plans are made, a professional and personal skills assessment is carried out. On this basis, coaches help to clarify a new project, identify training opportunities and prepare for a return to the job market.
Support can be individual, collective or a combination of both. The diversity of the profiles supported, from all sectors, enriches the exchanges within the group. Being exposed to other career paths often allows people to take a step back from their own situation and open up new possibilities.
The Body & Mind approach at Daoust
The uniqueness of the approach developed by Daoust is based on the Body & Mind programme. ‘To be able to get back to work, you need to be in a good place mentally and physically,’ says Aurélie Vrebosch. The idea is therefore not to rush things. Before sending out applications, you sometimes need to get moving again, find your rhythm and regain your confidence. The coaches therefore work on small, achievable and personal goals that enable you to gradually rebuild your momentum. ‘If this work is not done beforehand, there is a risk of returning to a job that will not last,’ she points out.
This method has taken on particular significance since the Covid period, which was marked by significant upheaval and, for many, a loss of professional bearings. Even today, working on one's self-image remains important in combating self-censorship, particularly in relation to age. ‘Many people are too quick to perceive themselves as “too old” for the job market,’ observes Aurélie Vrebosch, even though careers are getting longer.
Daoust outplacement has been involved in outplacement since 2001 and now boasts a 70% re-employment rate. More information on the Daoust website.