State of Outplacement Services Report (2025)
As HR professionals, we often find ourselves balancing the needs of both our organization and our workforce - particularly when big changes lie ahead. With headlines continuing to report on layoffs, new hiring surges, and evolving technologies like AI, it can feel like there’s a new challenge at every turn.
That’s why we’re excited to share our brand-new resource: The 2025 State of Outplacement Services Report.
This comprehensive guide takes a detailed look back at the employment landscape of 2024 - covering key industry layoffs, severance trends, mental health considerations, and the rise of AI in recruitment and outplacement.
Then it looks ahead to 2025, offering practical advice on how HR departments can proactively support their workforce, adapt to new technologies, and shape compassionate yet strategic downsizing policies (if and when the need arises).
Our hope is that through the insights, data, and best practices included in this annual report, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the upcoming year with clarity, confidence, and empathy.
What’s Inside the State of Outplacement Report?
Key Layoff & Hiring Trends in 2024
Wondering which sectors faced the biggest layoffs last year and why? Our report identifies the primary industries that led in workforce reductions, the driving factors behind these changes (hint: it’s not just about finances), and which segments rebounded faster than anticipated. You’ll also learn about the increased reliance on virtual layoff practices and how they impacted employee morale/company reputations.
What to Expect in 2025
What does 2025 have in store for HR leaders? This section explores key economic indicators, the continued (yet cautious) optimism around hiring, and where experts see potential risks. We offer a strategic framework for predicting talent needs, so you can proactively align workforce plans with business goals - rather than rushing to make decisions if the market shifts again.
AI & Automation in Outplacement
Technology is reshaping just about every corner of the HR landscape, and outplacement is no exception. From AI-powered resume screening tools and virtual career coaching platforms (like PruE.ai) to robust analytics that pinpoint which jobs will be most in demand, there’s plenty to learn about the intersection of technology and career transitions. We also discuss the delicate balance between embracing AI for efficiency and preserving the human touch that transitioning employees truly need.
Industry-Specific Workforce Changes
Not all layoffs and hiring trends look the same across tech, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. Our report breaks down which industries are thriving, which are restructuring, and how to tailor your outplacement approaches accordingly. For instance, healthcare layoffs tend to center on administrative staff, while retail has had to pivot to e-commerce and automation, often redeploying employees instead of letting them go. Understanding these nuances empowers you to offer more personalized support.
Mental Health & Employee Support
A layoff is rarely just a professional matter - it’s a deeply personal event. In our comprehensive section on mental health, we highlight why organizations that provide counseling services, emotional support, and a sense of community can help transitioning employees regain their footing more quickly. We also cover how to support the teams that remain, addressing “survivor’s guilt” and ensuring a stable environment after workforce reductions.
Best Practices & Actionable Tips for HR Teams
We present a curated list of best practices to implement in 2025, including: Crafting empathetic communication strategies for layoffs (whether remote or in-person), Integrating mental health resources into severance and outplacement packages, Harnessing AI tools without losing the human element, Tailoring your outplacement approach to specific roles and industries, Creating “alumni” networks that keep good relationships intact, even after an employee departs.
Why This Matters for HR Professionals
In a climate where headlines about mass layoffs and rapid hiring cycles can feel overwhelming, the 2025 State of Outplacement Services Report offers a much-needed roadmap. If you’re responsible for your organization’s people strategy, here’s why you won’t want to miss it:
Stay Current – From AI advancements to legislative changes around severance and benefits, this report synthesizes key trends so you don’t have to scour dozens of sources.
Human-Centered Solutions – Layoffs can be painful, and we believe empathy should guide the process. Our insights help you manage layoffs (when they’re unavoidable) in a way that’s compassionate, legally sound, and reflective of your company’s core values.
Strategic Advantage – By understanding the forces shaping the labor market, you can proactively build more resilient hiring and workforce strategies. This means fewer last-minute scrambles—and a better chance to keep top talent in-house.
Practical Outplacement Advice – Whether you work with TurboTransitions for virtual outplacement or ShiftAgain for hourly and frontline transitions, the principles and best practices we share will help any HR team optimize how they approach workforce changes.
Ready to Dive Deeper? Download the Full Report
The topics above are only a taste of the in-depth research, data-driven insights, and expert commentary packed into the 2025 State of Outplacement Services Report. You’ll find more charts, forecasts and actionable steps for making 2025 a year of strategic workforce planning.
Download the Full Report Below
Tags: outplacement, outplacement report, 2025 state of outplacement report
Author: Reid Alexander
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only & not intended as professional legal or HR advice. Consult with qualified professionals for advice tailored to your specific situation. The author & publisher disclaim any liability for errors, omissions, or actions taken based on this content.