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.

Layoffs are never easy, but for hourly and frontline workers, they can be particularly challenging. Unlike corporate employees who often have professional networks, LinkedIn profiles, and established job search skills, many hourly workers are left to navigate the uncertainty of unemployment on their own.

The question is: Does outplacement actually work for hourly employees? And if so, what approaches are the most effective?

At ShiftAgain, we’ve examined these questions in our latest whitepaper, "The Effectiveness of Outplacement for Hourly and Frontline Workers"—a must-read report for HR professionals and business leaders navigating workforce transitions. Whether you’re handling layoffs, planning severance benefits, or simply looking to enhance your employer brand, this report is packed with valuable insights.