Managing Emotions During the Outplacement Process

Change has become an inevitable part of corporate life today. Major transformations—leading to rapid restructurings, new roles, transfers, and layoffs—are experiences that today’s employees encounter far more frequently than in the past.

At E&E Group, through the many outplacement processes we have managed over the years, we have observed that these situations are not simply about change or restructuring. Rather, they represent a fundamental shift in the relationship between individuals and their companies. Even when facing uncertainty, today’s employees must control and manage their responses to change in order to maintain emotional balance and productivity.

Begin your job search with positive emotions

Throughout the job search process, it is critical to maintain a positive and proactive mindset. You will need to draw once again on the inner energy, creativity, and courage that have helped you overcome other difficult situations in your life.

Letting go of old habits and the lifestyle provided by your former position may open your mind to activities and approaches you had never previously considered. You may become more aware of your support network and think about how to make the most of it. Until now, you belonged to an organization—and, by extension, to a ready-made support system. Now, you will be building your own.

Major change can bring powerful emotions

The disruption and alteration of an established support system can give rise to strong emotions:

Shock, anger, uncertainty, self-doubt, fear, and other negative feelings may emerge.

Different people may experience a unique mix of these emotions at different times, and these feelings may resurface in cycles. While this may seem daunting at first, it can also mean that you are being freed from certain situations your company had forced you to accept, and from circumstances where your work no longer provided you with satisfaction.

Your emotions matter—and they are yours to manage

All these emotions are normal and valid. Emotion is a form of energy. Your emotions influence your thoughts, and your thoughts influence your actions. Uncontrolled negative emotions can harm both your physical and mental health, and in turn disrupt your job search. That’s why it’s essential to begin your job search with positive emotions.

Birnur Ahunbay / Outplacement Director, E&E Group