From farewell to new beginnings: When separations shape the future

By Abdullah Redzepi and Michael Hasler in südostschweizjobs.ch

Separations in professional life are never easy. They challenge us - whether we are affected ourselves, remain in the team or bear responsibility as a manager. Humanity, courage and the future in a corporate culture. Farewell does not just mean the end - it can also be the beginning. Companies that consciously shape this transition show responsibility and leave a lasting mark on their culture.

When separations become a cultural issue

Separations are part of working life, but often remain taboo - for those affected who have to reorient themselves, for managers who have difficult conversations and for teams who have to cope with change.

The decisive factor is, how leadership is shapedClear communication, honest information and genuine empathy prevent injuries, strengthen relationships and convey orientation, appreciation and security - especially in emotionally challenging situations.

Creating trust in uncertain times

A central component is Psychological safety. An anxiety-free team climate is crucial, especially when it comes to restructuring: employees should be able to express themselves without fear.

Transparency, room for questions and admitting your own uncertainties create trust. People who feel secure are better able to process difficult news, stay motivated and take responsibility.
This makes leadership not only human, but also effective.

Empathy as a key competence

Security alone is not enough. It needs emotional intelligence - the ability to perceive and control emotions and to treat others with respect.

Termination interviews are not routine. They require respect and genuine interest in the other person. Managers who listen and accompany instead of just informing enable a dignified farewell.

Small gestures - a calm tone, an honest word, an open ear - are often enough to make the difference between a conversation that hurts and one that connects.

Empathy is also demonstrated by giving employees the space to ask questions, name uncertainties and develop initial steps for the future together.

From attitude to action: outplacement as a bridge to the future

Those who provide psychological security and lead with empathy lay the foundations. But first the question, what happens nextmakes separation culture complete. Here comes Outplacement as a strong signal for future orientation.

With newplace we often see people who are initially disoriented after a separation announcement, feel overwhelmed and don't know what to do next.

They are insecure and have doubts about their own future. However, as soon as they reflect on their skills, sharpen their career goals, update their application documents and successfully take their first steps, their perspective changes.

Initial uncertainty turns into confidence, farewell into a new beginning. Many report looking back:

"That was the best turn of events that could have happened to me."

Good outplacement programs provide orientation, help to sharpen goals and develop new perspectives. They consciously transform the farewell into an opportunity for personal and professional development and enable employees to face the future with renewed strength.

A culture of separation that connects

A structured separation process - from planning and support to reorientation - creates orientation for all those involved.

When psychological safety, empathy and outplacement come together, a culture is created, that does not divide, but connects.

It shows: How we separate says more about the corporate culture than any glossy brochure.

And it makes it clear that there is also a future in parting - for the company and for the people who leave it.