A Look at German Outplacement and Career Management

Abstract

International employment continues to grow for the industrialized nations as their economies become more interdependent. An example of this trend involves Germany and the US employment and career issues which need to be considered when consulting abroad. Research was conducted in order to compare and contrast German and US outplacement/career practices. Specific interview impressions were gathered from several outplacement/career management professionals in Germany. Provides details about outplacement consulting services, differences in employee/career aspects between German and US employees, and the unique challenges faced by German employees. Although many outplacement services are similar between the two nations, German consultants appear to provide more of an “administrative” focus when working with German employees, whereas the US consulting firms provide more of a “sales” focus. German employees have historically had more employment protections than their counterpart US employees. However, political and economic changes in Germany are more volatile than those experienced in the USA. The “safety net” for German employees is beginning to crumble, and with these changes come insecurity and emotional distress. Knowledge of these nuances can assist career professionals in working with a German workforce.