Work. Made Better. Series
By Alan Kearns, Founder, CareerJoy
In government, change is part of the rhythm.
Budgets shift. Priorities change. New mandates arrive. Sometimes the impact is positive, new programs, new hires. Other times, it means restructuring. If you’ve worked in the public sector for any length of time, you’ve seen it happen.
That’s why one of the most essential questions public sector employees are asking right now is:
“How can I prepare now for a possible restructuring or layoff so I’m ready to land well if my role is impacted?”
The good news: There are steps you can take today that will put you in a stronger position tomorrow, whether you stay in your role or move to something new.
Preparation isn’t pessimism — it’s professional resilience.
Here’s what we know from recent research:
Every public sector role is shaped by employment law, collective agreements, or both. Before a layoff is even on the table:
Many public servants underestimate how valuable their experience is outside government — or they struggle to put it into language that resonates in other sectors.
Instead of waiting until you have to update your resume:
In the public sector, it’s easy to go years without touching your resume or LinkedIn. Don’t wait until you’re under pressure.
Your network is one of your most powerful career assets. Start re-engaging now — not just when you need something.
If you’ve been thinking about additional training, now is the time.
Leaving the public sector, voluntarily or not, can be emotional. It’s not just a job change; it can feel like losing a community, a cause, or a professional identity.
If your role is impacted, you may be given funding to choose a career transition provider — but the window to decide is often short. Doing your research now means:
Many public servants choose CareerJoy because we:
From Ottawa to Vancouver, St. John’s to Whitehorse, we’ve helped public servants:
Client Story:
“When I heard restructuring was coming, I knew I needed to get ready. CareerJoy helped me reframe my skills, prepare for interviews, and even coached me on salary negotiations. I moved into a leadership role in the nonprofit sector within 4 months, and I felt confident every step of the way.”
Former Director, Provincial Government Department
The cost of preparation is small compared to the cost of scrambling under pressure. According to the 2024 HRPA Workplace Transitions Report, organizations that provide career transition support see 65% fewer legal claims and 3x higher re-employment rates for impacted employees. The 2025 ICF study shows that coaching-led transitions result in 50% faster landings and significantly higher long-term career satisfaction.
CareerJoy partners with public sector employees and employers to navigate change with clarity, dignity, and strategic advantage.
We are an official learning partner of APEX and proudly hold a 4.7-star Google rating. Our partnerships span both public and private sectors, from OFSI to CFMWS to Shopify — giving us unique insight into cross-sector opportunities for public servants in transition.
📧 Contact Matt Goff, VP, Partner Solutions: matt.goff@careerjoy.com
📞 1-877-256-2569
Human-first. AI-smart. 100 Percent Canadian. Global reach. Proven results.
Work. Made Better. Series
By Alan Kearns, Founder, CareerJoy
In today’s volatile job market, selecting the right outplacement partner isn’t just a procurement decision — it’s a reflection of your organization’s integrity, leadership, and long-term resilience.
Whether you’re managing a five-person transition or restructuring 5,000 roles across regions, the partner you choose will significantly impact the employee experience, brand reputation, and legal risk.
So, who are the top players in Canada — and why are more organizations, from government agencies to global brands, increasingly choosing CareerJoy?
Let’s take a clear-eyed look at five of the leading outplacement providers in Canada — and what truly sets them apart.
CareerJoy is Canada’s national people & culture firm. For over 20 years, we’ve supported career transitions across various sectors — trusted by the Government of Canada, Shopify, World Vision, BMW, YMCA, and BGC Canada.
We combine personalized coaching, AI-informed tools, and bilingual support to help people land — and lead — their next chapter.
Why employers choose CareerJoy:
“They helped me see my options clearly — and build a real plan. Not just where I’d been, but where I wanted to go.”
— Dominic Allard, Transition Client, Calgary
“I was encouraged to think beyond the obvious next step. That’s where I found real growth.”
— Tanya Chau, Transition Client, Vancouver
Careerminds is a virtual-first U.S.-based provider expanding into Canada. Their appeal lies in cost-effectiveness and technology-enabled delivery, but Canadian employers sometimes seek more regional customization and bilingual support.
Considerations for Employers:
Organizations with cross-border needs often find CareerJoy’s bilingual and locally adapted approach to be more responsive, especially in regulated or government environments.
RiseSmart offers technology-driven outplacement solutions focused on quick reemployment metrics. While scalable globally, their model tends to prioritize technology over human connection, which may not align with Canadian expectations regarding fairness and psychological safety.
Employer Considerations:
Many Canadian organizations choose CareerJoy over RiseSmart when they require consistent, bilingual support and emotional care through every phase, not just rapid redeployment.
Following its acquisition of Optimum Talent, Gallagher offers outplacement as part of a larger HR and recruitment consulting suite. Their strengths lie in corporate infrastructure and integration with enterprise clients.
Limitations:
Many Canadian clients find the approach less human-centred, with fewer touchpoints post-placement.
A global leader with name recognition, Right Management brings legacy systems and scale. However, Canadian organizations report challenges with agility and adapting to regional or bilingual expectations.
Client Considerations:
In a sea of sameness, CareerJoy’s model stands apart for its depth, reach, and outcomes.
What our clients value most:
Why this matters: According to HRPA’s 2024 Workplace Trends Report:
Gallup Canada reports:
ICF Canada adds:
“Honestly, it was the second half of the coaching that changed everything. I didn’t just get a job — I figured out how to show up in it.”
— Amrita Singh, Senior Leader, Toronto
“I felt seen, heard, and prepared. Coaching with CareerJoy made all the difference.”
— Gregory Wallace, Public Sector Client, Montreal
CareerJoy supports transitions from British Columbia to Newfoundland and across global teams. Whether you’re restructuring a local department or a multinational team, our model adapts.
We’ve supported:
We meet you where you are — and take your people further.
Organizations that choose CareerJoy benefit from:
Whether you’re handling five exits or five thousand, we provide human-first, AI-smart coaching that reflects your brand, care, and leadership.
If you’re evaluating outplacement providers, don’t just compare services — compare outcomes.
CareerJoy is Canada’s national people & culture firm — trusted by the Government of Canada, Shopify, World Vision, BMW, YMCA, BGC Canada, and more. As an APEX partner with a 4.7 Google rating, we support career transitions, leadership development, and hybrid coaching across all sectors.
Human-first. AI-smart. 100% Canadian. Global reach. Proven results.
alan.kearns@careerjoy.com | 1-877-256-2569
