Why Outplacement Programs Must Address Men’s Mental Health

The Critical Role of Mental Health for Men in Outplacement Programs

When layoffs occur, most companies focus on severance packages, outplacement services, and transition logistics. What is often overlooked is the emotional and psychological toll of job loss, particularly for a group you might least expect: middle-class white men. Research shows that this demographic can face unique mental health risks tied to workforce disruption. 

If your company is seeking to implement a comprehensive outplacement program, it’s essential to understand the gendered impact of layoffs and the role of mental health in career transitions. For HR leaders, People Operations teams, and Business Partners, offering equitable, trauma-informed outplacement support is not just good practice - it is a critical component of protecting employee well-being and your employer brand. Here’s what you need to know to build a modern, mental-health-informed outplacement strategy:

Layoffs disproportionately affect men’s mental health because of the societal “male breadwinner” pressure (Choi, Marti, & Choi, 2023)

Work as Career Identity 

Despite appearing resilient, men (particularly white, middle-class men) often experience a profound identity crisis after job loss, compounded by social isolation and the cultural expectation to “tough it out” in silence. Research shows that for many men in middle- and working-class roles, the workplace is more than a paycheck:it's a core part of their identity. 

Because men often derive personal meaning and social status through work, career loss can carry a deeper emotional toll than for women(Damaske, 2021). Studies show that unemployed men are more likely to report psychological distress, marital strain, and a loss of self-worth, symptoms that traditional outplacement programs often fail to address. One study, for example, found that fathers perceive unemployment as defeat, whereas women view it as an opportunity(Illing, 2021). When job loss disrupts identity, especially for men, career transition services must include mental health-informed outplacement support to promote true recovery and reintegration into the workforce.

Job Loss Can Be Deadly for Men

In a U.S. cohort study, unemployed men were found to be 2.6 times more likely to die by suicide than employed men (Choi, Marti, & Choi, 2023). This alarming statistic highlights the often-overlooked emotional and psychological toll of job loss. While layoffs are often treated as logistical or financial events, for many men, especially those whose identity is closely tied to their work, the impact can be devastating. This underscores the urgent need for outplacement services that go beyond job search support to include mental health-informed care and suicide prevention strategies. A systematic review of long‑term unemployment revealed average 

Mental health risks associated with unemployment compound over time. Long-term unemployment (15-26+ weeks) further increases these risks, especially for men aged 30-34 in married breadwinner roles (Choi, Marti, & Choi, 2023;Kim & Cho 2, 2017). These findings underscore the urgent need for holistic outplacement solutions that go beyond resume support, offering mental health-informed career transition services and mental health support. For HR leaders and People Ops teams, implementing swift, trauma-informed outplacement solutions is not only a workforce strategy–it’s also a matter of employee well-being and corporate responsibility.

Mass Layoffs Pose Greater Risk for Men

Mass layoffs can carry serious consequences. One study (Classen & Dunn,2011) estimated that for every 4,200 men laid off in mass workforce reduction, there is one additional male suicide, compared to one per 7,100 for women. This disparity reflects the strong connection between work and identity, as well as societal pressures around masculinity and success, serving as a powerful reminder that outplacement strategies must be trauma-informed and gender-sensitive, with mental health support integrated into every stage of the career transition process.

Women and Layoffs

While women and men report similar levels of psychological distress after a layoff, they are more likely to engage in emotion-focused coping, seeking social connections and emotional expression–strategies linked to better long-term mental health and resilience (Leana & Feldman, 1991). While no one emerges from job loss unscathed, these coping patterns help explain why women may recover with a steadier sense of psychological well-being over time, especially when supported by empathetic and socially attuned outplacement care.

Implications for Outplacement Services

Ethical outplacement strategies must account for identity and diversity. Men, particularly white men, often experience job loss as a deep identity disruption and are at a significantly higher risk of suicide as a result. Their suffering differs from women’s and is often compounded by silence, stigma, and isolation. 

Responsible outplacement services must go beyond resume help and digital-only tools. They should be empathetic, trauma-informed, and delivered by professionals trained in mental health, suicide prevention, and holistic outplacement solutions. Employers have a responsibility to ensure that outplacement programs address the full emotional and psychological impact of job loss across all identities. 

Ethical outplacement support should address self-worth challenges, rigid gender roles, and mental health stigma. Integrating psychological safety, community support, and identity-anchored coaching can be essential for recovery.

At Wanderlust Workplaces, every Career Coach holds a clinical degree in mental health, bringing the emotional intelligence and psychological expertise essential for supporting individuals through challenging, mental health–laden career transitions. We are proud to be one of the few outplacement service firms worldwide that integrates mental health and wellness support alongside traditional services like resume building and job searching  because true career transition success begins with emotional well-being.

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