Event Highlights & Why It Matters:

The 2025 Pennsylvania State Council of SHRM Annual Conference gathered hundreds of HR professionals, thought leaders, and solution providers with a single mission shaping the future of human resources. From keynote presentations on workforce resilience to workshops on compliance and DEI, the event was a reminder that HR is at the center of organizational transformation.

For Relevante, this conference was more than an opportunity to showcase services it was about listening. At our exhibitor booth, we engaged in open conversations with HR leaders about the real challenges they face, balancing business demands with empathy, addressing workforce transitions without losing culture, and maintaining trust during difficult times.

Our team left the event energized, knowing that Relevante’s outplacement services are positioned exactly where today’s HR leaders need support the most, helping organizations manage exits with compassion while protecting the employer brand.

Key Insight: HR is no longer just about managing people, it’s about leading organizations through change.

Why Outplacement is a Strategic Imperative:

One of the strongest themes at the event was that outplacement is no longer optional. The speed of change from economic shifts to AI-driven disruption means that even thriving organizations may need to restructure. How these moments are handled has a lasting effect on reputation, retention, and resilience.

When companies fail to support departing employees:

• Brand damage follows on platforms like Glassdoor and LinkedIn.
• Survivor employees lose morale, trust, and productivity.
• Legal and compliance risks increase when layoffs lack transparency and dignity.

By contrast, structured outplacement offers measurable advantages:

• Protects employer reputation by treating employees with respect.
• Supports DEI by ensuring fair, consistent treatment during transitions.
• Strengthens alumni networks that often become referral sources or future clients.
• Provides tangible ROI through reduced claims and faster re-employment.

Key Insight: Outplacement is not about endings, it’s about ensuring that every transition leaves a positive legacy for both employees and employers.

What HR Leaders Told Us at PA SHRM:

Across dozens of conversations at the event, HR leaders expressed similar challenges and opportunities:

• Clarity and Communication: Many HR professionals struggle with how to communicate layoffs without sparking fear among remaining staff.
• Employee Morale: Leaders worry about “survivor’s guilt” and the cultural toll of workforce changes.
• Accountability: HR executives want tools to measure the impact of outplacement, not just stories.
• Scalability: From small teams to enterprise-wide reductions, solutions must adapt without losing the human touch.

Relevante addresses these pain points directly:

• Personalized career coaching ensures every employee feels supported.
• Confidential reporting gives HR leaders the data they need without breaching trust.
• Flexible programs scale to meet the needs of growing or downsizing organizations.
• Commitment to outcomes: we stay with participants until they secure a new role.

Key Insight: HR leaders don’t just want vendors, they want partners who can walk with them through difficult moments.

The Relevante Difference & What’s Next:

As we reflect on the PA SHRM Conference, one thing is clear: the future of HR will be defined by how organizations manage change. From AI disruption to shifting workforce expectations, transitions are inevitable but mishandled transitions are not.

Relevante is built on a people-first philosophy:

• Every employee receives individualized support until they land their next opportunity.
• Every HR leader gains access to measurable reporting that demonstrates ROI.
• Every organization protects its values, culture, and reputation even in difficult times.

We are deeply grateful to the HR leaders who visited our booth, shared their stories, and reinforced the importance of compassionate, outcome-driven outplacement. Together, we can transform workforce exits into opportunities for trust, loyalty, and long-term resilience.Final Insight: When employees leave with dignity, organizations move forward with strength.