Outplacement in Switzerland: turning a professional separation into a career opportunity

A career break is often experienced as a shock, a moment of doubt or even injustice. However, in Switzerland, more and more professionals and companies are choosing to transform this sensitive stage into a real opportunity, through outplacements(1). Much more than a simple job search assistance, this is a strategic and human form of support designed to secure the transition, boost confidence and pave the way towards a more solid and aligned professional project. But in concrete terms, what does outplacement encompass, who is it aimed at and how does it differ from other forms of career coaching ?

What is an outplacement ?

An outplacement is a support system for individuals who are changing jobs, often following a breach of contract, redundancy or restructuring. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just for executives: any professional going through a period of change can benefit from it.

In Switzerland, an outplacement is frequently offered by employers as part of individual or collective redundancy packages. It can also be part of a negotiated severance package. Some candidates finance this service themselves when they want tailor-made support to accelerate their repositioning or explore a career change.

Who can benefit from an outplacement in Switzerland?

outplacements are intended for :

• Redundant managers or employees.
• Professionals leaving a position following a reorganisation or strategic change.
• Expatriates needing to adapt to the Swiss job market.
• Self-employed people wishing to return to salaried employment.

How do outplacements differ from other services?

Outplacements have several distinct features:

• Skills assessment: often focused on analysing aptitudes and possible career paths, but without necessarily providing operational support for the job search.
• Classic professional coaching : geared towards development in a current position or managing situations internal to the company.
• Internal HR support: relevant for development within the same organisation, but less neutral than an external viewpoint focused exclusively on the beneficiary's interests.

Outplacement is unique because it combines introspection and action, strategic reflection and practical execution, all within an independent and confidential framework.

Outplacement, Newplacement, In-placement: What’s the difference?

In Switzerland, there are a number of terms used to describe professional support services that are similar, but do not exactly cover the same realities. Outplacement refers to helping someone after their contract has ended or been terminated, with the goal of facilitating their re-entry into the job market or guiding their career redirection.

Newplacement, more common in international companies and in German-speaking Switzerland, emphasises proactively preparing for a “new position.” It’s future-oriented and often begins before the person officially leaves their role.

And finally, In-placement focuses on internal mobility: helping an employee move into a new role within the same company, often to avoid redundancy and retain valuable skills. Understanding these nuances helps professionals and companies choose the right approach for their situation.

The benefits of an outplacement for individuals and companies

For the person being supported, an effective outplacement brings concrete and lasting benefits:

• Clear vision and strategy: knowing where to go, why and what steps to take.
• Application tools optimised to Swiss standards (CV, complete dossier, LinkedIn profile).
• Activated network thanks to the coach 's connections and a targeted networking plan.
• Advanced search techniques: direct approach, unsolicited applications, structured follow-up.
• Strengthen employability by updating skills and boosting self-confidence in a confidential, secure environment in which to reflect freely on career choices.
• A secure, confidential setting in which to freely reflect on career choices.

But outplacement is not just a lever for the individual: the companies that use it also find real benefits. By offering quality support to their departing employees, they :

• Preserve their image and employer brand by showing that they care for their employees, even in times of separation.
• Reduce social tensions by accompanying change in a respectful and humane way.
• Facilitate people's transition to a new job, thus limiting the risk of disputes or conflicts.
• Reinforce internal trust: the remaining teams see that the company treats everyone with consideration, which supports motivation and commitment.

In short, an outplacement is a win-win investment: it helps the employee to bounce back quickly and serenely, while enabling the company to maintain quality professional relations, even in difficult times.

Conclusion: what if now was the right time to talk about it?

Whether you're a professional in transition or a company keen to support its employees with dignity, an outplacement is not just a service: it's an investment in the future.

In Switzerland, where networks are powerful yet often closed, having confidential, neutral, and person-centered guidance is a strategic advantage. Each session unfolds in a safe space built on trust, where open conversation leads to the best decisions and the strongest career projects.

For individuals, it's an opportunity to turn a difficult stage into a real professional springboard. For companies, it's a concrete way of preserving their reputation, reinforcing their social responsibility and maintaining a climate of trust, even in times of change.

If you recognise yourself in these issues, if you're wondering how to make the transition easier, or how to support your teams with respect and efficiency, then it's time to talk. The first step? Get in touch, ask questions and find out how tailor-made support can make all the difference for you, for your employees and for turning every transition into an opportunity.

If you'd like to find out more or see if outplacement or coaching might be right for you, please contact me for an initial discussion: Philip Chowney

For additional information, you can also reach out to : Fabienne Revillard

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[1] According to von Rundstedt's outplacement Statistics 2023, Swiss companies have stepped up their transformation and downsizing plans(rundstedt.ch).