Overheard @: Outplacement benefits become latest sign of the times

Clearly, no employer wants to layoff valued, hardworking staff, but the recession has left many companies with little choice. However, I hear that some employers are doing their best to take the sting out of such action by offering outplacement services.

According to reporting from Workforce Management, a survey from outplacement firm Lee Hecht Harrison that finds the top reason companies use outplacement is to maintain positive relationships with employees.

Such goodwill doesn't come cheap. WM reports that outplacement offerings -- ranging from web-based services to in-person coaching -- can cost anywhere up to tens of thousands of dollars per employee. Too much to pay in these recessive times? Perhaps. But EBN reporting finds that even making small overtures to your former employees can help bring them back into the fold, especially if you never wanted to lose them in the first place.

What do you think? Would/has your company considered adding outplacement services to its benefits slate? What is the potential ROI? Comment and let me know.