Outplacement and re‐employment measures during organizational restructuring in Belgium: Overview of the literature and results of qualitative research

Abstract

Purpose

Aims to review the research literature and legislation on outplacement and re‐employment interventions in Belgium and present results of qualitative research and case studies of companies, regarding interventions during organizational restructuring.

Design/methodology/approach

Comprises a literature review, qualitative (semi‐structured and in‐depth) interviews with workers and experts, and case studies of companies.

Findings

The literature on interventions suggests the importance of “traject‐counselling” for affected workers as a most valuable intervention during organizational restructuring. In‐depth interviews with job‐insecure workers highlight the importance of fair treatment, and especially of interactional justice. Case studies and interviews delineate the components that make re‐employment initiatives successful: outplacement interventions include emotional support, training of skills and individual coaching or guidance. Belgian legislation regarding outplacement and re‐employment initiatives is unique and extensive. Possible weaknesses, however, are the complexity of procedures, the unfamiliarity of the public with the legislation and the lack of legislation at an international level.

Research limitations/implications

The reported results are based on qualitative research only. In the future, quantitative evaluation studies need to be performed, in order to evaluate the outcomes of re‐employment initiatives and of the implemented legislation.

Practical implications

The results highlight the need for training of all partners involved in organizational restructuring: workers, managers and outplacement consultants.

Originality/value

This study offers the first integrated account of research results on measures needed to re‐employ workers during (and after) organizational restructuring in Belgium. Various methods (literature review, qualitative interviews and case studies) are used. The results include valuable suggestions for other European countries.

Citation

De Witte, H., Vandoorne, J., Verlinden, R. and De Cuyper, N. (2005), "Outplacement and re‐employment measures during organizational restructuring in Belgium: Overview of the literature and results of qualitative research", Journal of European Industrial Training, Vol. 29 No. 2, pp. 148-164. https://doi.org/10.1108/03090590510585109