Typically the Exit Coaching intervention will include the following:

• Coming to terms with the range of emotions they are feeling
• Reframing of negative emotions with positive and supportive emotions
• Identifying their values and beliefs and how these may or may not be supporting them
• Reframing of the negative aspects of their retrenchment with recognition of the positive aspects and opportunities this brings them
• Overcoming any limiting beliefs or fears about moving on
• Sustainably rebuilding self-confidence and self-worth and self-awareness through recognition of their passions, strengths and values
• Clarification of exactly what it is they really want in their future from both personal and work perspectives, and setting of goals and intentions with strategies and action plans for achieving these
• Overcoming any limiting beliefs which may hold them back
• Identification of their own internal and external resources to support them through the process
• Assistance with preparation for interviews/discussions regarding entrepreneurship
• Personal performance and well-being

Supplementary Services

Retrenchments also have a significant effect on the Leaders and Mangers tasked with implementing them, as well as remaining employees. In addressing the emotional and operational concerns of these individuals as a part of the process, acceptance of the circumstances and buy-in for the new situation is enhanced, and potential negative effects are minimised.

Supplementary services include:

• Coaching for Leaders and Managers who are responsible for orchestrating change, to:
  • assist with communicating with employees whose jobs are at risk
  • manage the frames of mind required to conduct retrenchment conversations
  • equip employees who have been retained to deliver results
• Confidential Climate Study to establish the levels of engagement and commitment in remaining employees
• Group coaching workshops for remaining employees:
  • Coming to terms with the changes
  • eliminate "survivor syndrome"
  • definition of common goals and a congruent way forward achieve these for reduced or newly formed teams, in line with the company's objectives
• Team Assessment, Strategic Planning and Collective Accountability Workshops for newly formed Executive and Senior Management teams following a merger or acquisition

Benefits to the Company

Saying goodbye to employees is not easy. In many instances they have given some of their best years but due to circumstances, your paths must now diverge and they must explore a new direction.

Many companies, when faced with this, will incorporate some type of outplacement service as part of the employee's retrenchment package. This duty of care gives the departing employee a much greater chance of handling their new circumstances (which often come about quite suddenly) and finding suitable opportunities for their experience and talents.

Benefits to the Company in engaging in an Exit Coaching Programme when retrenchments are inevitable include:

• Encourages employees to take ownership of their situation
• Assists communication between all parties involved
• Helps retrenched and remaining employees to deal with personal issues that may affect their performance at work
• Reduces the feeling of guilt and resentment among retrenched and remaining employees
• Reinforces the company's commitment to its employees. Employees leave with a sense of direction and feeling valued by the company
• Frees up the time of your managers and HR team
• Encourages decisions to be made and action to be taken
• Identify solutions to work-related issues
• Supports Line Managers and HR
• Gives the employee a positive exit from the Company
• Helps all staff to remain focused while the transition takes place
• Increases employee commitment and satisfaction during the change period
• Reduces the negative impact on day to day running of the Company
• Limits the real risk of post-retrenchment under-performance and a decline in colleague overall satisfaction leading to increased attrition

Contact a Metaco coach and find out more about Exit Coaching