Career Transition Guides – paper 5: Redundancy and career change

Career changes can be self-directed (e.g. retaining for a new industry) or involuntary (e.g. workforce downsizing). Even though voluntary career changes can have positive mental health and wellbeing effects, people can still experience fear of failure and/or the unknown and financial insecurity. Financial insecurity is the major challenge for people experiencing involuntary job loss, as well as decreased psychological and physical wellbeing, loss of social connections and a loss of self-worth. 

Organisational downsizing can also affect remaining workers, who can experience ‘survivor syndrome’ (feelings of guilt, anxiety, apathy and disengagement).

This guide outlines ways organisations can support people experiencing a career change (whether it’s voluntary or involuntary), and things these workers can do to support themselves. 

The case study demonstrates Metricon’s process for managing a large-scale redundancy program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Elements of the program included an implementation plan, a communications plan and a support program for affected workers. It includes tips and advice for others.