In May 2025, two major Japanese corporations – Panasonic and Nissan – announced significant global layoffs, underscoring the challenges faced by multinational companies in rapidly evolving markets. Panasonic plans to reduce its workforce by 10,000 employees, approximately 4% of its global staff, as part of a restructuring effort aimed at boosting profitability and streamlining operations. Similarly, Nissan is set to cut around 20,000 jobs, representing about 15% of its global workforce, in response to substantial financial losses and declining sales in key markets.
For HR departments, managing such large-scale layoffs is a complex and time-consuming process that involves not only logistical coordination but also emotional support for affected employees. Outsourcing these responsibilities to specialised outplacement services providers can alleviate the burden on internal HR teams, ensuring a smoother transition for both the organisation and its employees.
How does working with an outplacement services provider save HR valuable time?
- Streamlined Offboarding Process – Outplacement providers handle many administrative aspects of layoffs, such as exit interviews, documentation, and communication support, allowing HR to focus on strategic priorities.
- Dedicated Career Support for Affected Employees – Instead of HR managing individual employee queries post-redundancy, the outplacement partner becomes the primary point of contact—offering job search assistance, coaching, and emotional support.
- Reduced Internal Back-and-Forth – With experienced consultants guiding the transition process, HR avoids being caught up in repeated questions or hand-holding, especially when hundreds or thousands of employees are affected.
- Minimised Risk of Legal Issues – Professional guidance helps ensure proper protocols are followed, reducing the risk of disputes or reputational damage that HR would otherwise need to manage reactively.
- Scalable, Regionally Compliant Support – For multinational layoffs, a single outplacement partner can coordinate services across different countries—saving HR from researching local requirements or managing multiple vendors.
- Internal Morale & Employer Brand Protection – With the heavy lifting handled externally, HR can turn its attention to supporting remaining employees and stabilising company morale.
Key Considerations for HR During the Offboarding Process
Even with the support of an outplacement services provider, HR teams play a vital role in ensuring a respectful, compliant, and well-organised offboarding process. Here are a few critical factors to keep in mind:
- Clear and Consistent Communication – Prepare transparent messaging for both affected and remaining employees. Ensure managers are aligned and trained on how to communicate redundancies with empathy and professionalism.
- Compliance with Local Labour Laws – Be aware of country-specific termination requirements, including notice periods, severance entitlements, and final pay regulations. Non-compliance can lead to legal disputes and reputational harm.
- Document Everything – Keep detailed records of communications, agreements, and paperwork provided to each affected employee. This protects both the company and the HR team in case of future disputes.
- Coordinate IT and Systems Access – Plan for timely revocation of system access, return of company assets, and closure of accounts while respecting employee privacy and ensuring a smooth transition.
- Support for Remaining Employees – Don’t forget the impact layoffs have on morale and productivity. Communicate the “why” behind the decisions and offer support through HR briefings, Q&A sessions, or wellness programmes.
- Engage an Outplacement Partner Early – Loop in your outplacement services provider as early as possible. They can help with pre-layoff planning, crafting messaging, and preparing transition resources before announcements are made.
Links International is equipped to support organisations through such transitions, providing tailored outplacement services that address the unique needs of each company and its workforce. By partnering with us, businesses can ensure that their HR teams are supported, and their employees are guided with professionalism and care during challenging times.