Companies are expanding their severance packages to include more comprehensive career support for laid-off workers. Canva, which recently announced layoffs affecting over 1,200 employees, is offering extended healthcare coverage, interview preparation, a year of LinkedIn Premium, and access to an employee-alumni directory. The company is also providing $10,000 grants to help former employees start their own ventures.
This trend of enhanced career support is not unique to Canva. Verizon, after cutting over 13,000 jobs last year, established a $20 million reskilling fund covering courses and professional certificates. Chevron, planning to reduce its workforce by up to 20% by the end of this year, is offering educational assistance to laid-off employees, reimbursing up to 75% of qualifying coursework.
Experts suggest that these robust support systems help mitigate the negative impact of layoffs on both departing and remaining employees. Greg Simpson, global practice leader for career transition at LHH, noted that such offers are becoming more common as layoffs become routine in the AI era. Pav Stojkovic, former chief people officer at several companies, added that these measures help preserve a positive work culture for those who stay.
Matthew Wohl, a former executive recruiter, highlighted the importance of managing layoffs well to avoid social media backlash. He emphasized that former employees can become powerful advocates or critics based on how their exit is handled. 'I jokingly tell people that your best customer or your best marketer is the person who doesn't work for you anymore,' he said.