Case Study: Successful Outplacement for 64 Employees – How Vertical Media Solutions Guided a Grand Rapids Company Through Its First Workforce Reduction

Introduction: Navigating a Workforce Reduction with Confidence

When a Grand Rapids, MI-based company faced its first-ever Reduction in Force (RIF), they needed an outplacement partner who could provide structured guidance, minimize disruption, and ensure their affected employees successfully transitioned into new opportunities.

With 64 employees across multiple departments impacted, including senior operational leaders, sales engineers, software developers, project managers, accountants, and office support staff, the company sought professional outplacement services to:

• Ensure a smooth transition for displaced employees.
• Maintain brand reputation and mitigate potential PR concerns.
• Provide employees with career support, resume writing, and interview coaching to maximize their chances of securing new roles quickly.

Vertical Media Solutions was retained to develop and execute a comprehensive outplacement strategy that addressed the needs of both the organization and its employees.

Within four months, every displaced employee secured new employment, with many finding roles at top-tier companies in West Michigan and beyond.

The Client: A Grand Rapids Company Facing Its First Workforce Reduction

This mid-sized company in the Grand Rapids area had never previously conducted a workforce reduction and needed expert guidance to navigate the process efficiently.

The company’s key challenges included:

1. Lack of Internal RIF Experience:
   • Leadership had no prior experience handling a mass layoff and needed a structured approach to support affected employees while maintaining productivity.
2. Varied Employee Roles & Needs:
   • Employees ranged from senior leadership to junior office support staff, requiring customized outplacement solutions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
3. Maintaining Employer Brand & Reputation:
   • The company wanted to demonstrate corporate responsibility by providing high-quality career transition support.
4. Ensuring a Seamless Transition for Employees:
   • To reduce stress and uncertainty, they sought outplacement services that would quickly position employees for new roles.

Recognizing the importance of protecting both the company’s culture and its departing employees, leadership turned to Vertical Media Solutions, the leading outplacement firm in Grand Rapids, to develop and implement a customized outplacement program.

The Solution: A Structured, Data-Driven Outplacement Strategy

At Vertical Media Solutions, we understand that workforce reductions must be handled strategically and with compassion. Our data-driven approach ensured that each employee received the support they needed to transition into a new role as quickly and effectively as possible.

Step 1: Consulting Leadership on Workforce Reduction Best Practices

• Developed a RIF Action Plan: We outlined best practices for employee notifications, severance discussions, and career transition messaging to ensure a smooth process with minimal disruption.
• Designed Personalized Outplacement Packages: Based on employee tenure, professional background, and career goals, we provided customized outplacement support to meet the unique needs of each affected individual.
• Ensured Legal & Ethical Compliance: Our consulting included HR best practices for layoffs, reducing the company’s risk of potential compliance issues or negative press.

Step 2: Personalized Career Transition Support for Every Employee

To help the 64 displaced employees transition quickly, we provided the following services:

Professional Resume Writing & Cover Letters

Our team of Certified Professional Resume Writers (CPRW) crafted custom resumes for each individual, focusing on:

• Highlighting transferable skills to position employees for new opportunities.
• Optimizing resumes for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to ensure high visibility with recruiters.
• Creating targeted cover letters to help candidates stand out in a competitive job market.

LinkedIn Profile Development & Optimization

• Updated LinkedIn profiles to increase recruiter visibility and improve networking opportunities.
• Incorporated industry-specific keywords to enhance job search results.
• Provided LinkedIn job search strategies to help employees connect with hiring managers.

Job Search Coaching Sessions

• Delivered personalized coaching sessions tailored to each employee’s career level and goals.
• Provided strategies for networking, applying to jobs, and leveraging hidden job markets.
• Educated employees on negotiating salaries and evaluating job offers.

Interview Coaching & Preparation

• Conducted one-on-one interview coaching sessions to build confidence.
• Practiced behavioral interview techniques and STAR method responses.
• Equipped employees with strategies for handling tough interview questions.

The Results: 100% Reemployment Within 4 Months

The impact of our customized outplacement strategy was profound:

• 75% of employees secured new roles within 60 days.
• 100% of employees were reemployed within four months.
• Employees transitioned into leading companies in Grand Rapids, MI, and beyond.
• Higher job satisfaction: Many employees reported securing better-paying jobs and roles more aligned with their long-term career goals.
• Positive employer brand impact: The company maintained strong morale among remaining employees and reinforced its commitment to employee well-being.

Key Takeaways: Why Outplacement Services Matter

This case study highlights the importance of structured, data-driven outplacement support during a workforce reduction:

✔ Strategic Planning Protects Employer Reputation – Handling a RIF properly can enhance employer branding and reduce legal risks.
✔ Personalized Career Coaching Increases Success Rates – Employees who receive structured guidance find new roles faster.
✔ Professional Resume & LinkedIn Optimization Boosts Job Search Results – Tailored application materials give candidates a competitive edge.
✔ Confidence & Interview Readiness Leads to Stronger Offers – Job seekers with interview coaching perform better in hiring discussions.

Providing outplacement services is not just an investment in transitioning employees—it’s an investment in the company’s long-term success.

Why Grand Rapids Companies Trust Vertical Media Solutions for Outplacement Services

Vertical Media Solutions is Michigan’s leading outplacement firm, specializing in career transition services for companies of all sizes.

With decades of experience, our Certified Professional Resume Writers, Career Coaches, and Outplacement Experts help businesses:

• Handle workforce reductions with professionalism and efficiency.
• Provide employees with career transition support that leads to reemployment faster.
• Maintain a positive employer brand during challenging transitions.

Looking for Outplacement Services in Grand Rapids, MI?

Whether your organization is planning a RIF, layoff, or restructuring, we provide customized career transition solutions to help your employees succeed.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today – Let’s discuss how we can help your company navigate workforce changes smoothly.