Layoff Assistance

Rapid Response Program

If your company is facing a layoff, Rapid Response, a program available to qualifying organizations, can help you manage the process effectively. The Rapid Response Program has two key functions:

Provide instant assistance to companies and affected workers
Provide employers with access to a skilled labor pool in their area

The WorkSmart Network, in conjunction with the WDBSCW and its business services team, can help you consider the transition of your workforce to other companies to save your company money on unemployment benefits. Our experienced workforce professionals can also offer your company coaching through the layoff process. The team can also prepare and schedule Rapid Response sessions to orient your displaced workers to the workforce services and community resources available to help them get back into the workforce.

Higher productivity and worker morale and lower absenteeism possible during the layoff process.

Lower UI costs as workers may become reemployed quicker when services are provided prior to the layoff.

Decreased likelihood of work disruptions during the layoff process.

Better public and community relations likely when a company highlights the services it’s providing to its workers during the layoff event.

Benefits

How Rapid Response Works

Employer Benefits

Rapid Response services provide significant advantages for employers navigating layoffs or workforce reductions. By helping laid-off workers transition quickly into new employment, businesses can benefit from:

Reduced unemployment insurance costs
Better employee morale and lower absenteeism until layoff
Sustained productivity levels
Decreased likelihood of work disruptions
Positive public and community relations from supporting workers during layoff
Access to qualified and skilled workers from Rapid Response hiring events

Employee Benefits

The Rapid Response team will work one-on-one with displaced workers to discuss unemployment insurance benefits, job placement services and training options and we can help you coordinate with other services in your area.

While many resources are available online, resources are also available at your local American Job Center. We can also provide information and resources for affected workers onsite via Rapid Response presentations upon request.

Information Session Topics may include:

Unemployment Insurance (UI)
Dislocated worker programs offering career and training help
Job Center resources
Healthcare resources available during your transition
Retirement options
Topic-specific workshops (resume writing, interviewing, online job search, household budgeting, career planning, coping with job loss, etc.)

Labor market information
Onsite WIOA Dislocated Worker Program registration sessions
1-on-1 assistance and scheduled visits to the affected worksites
Targeted job fairs for affected workers
Transition centers and onsite assistance for affected workers

*Services can be tailored to meet the needs of the business and its workers. The services are available at no cost to the company because of funding provided by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

The Rapid Response Team

In South Central Wisconsin, the Rapid Response team is comprised of representatives from the WDBSCW, WorkSmart Network, State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, American Job Center partners, community partners such as United Way of Dane County and Covering Wisconsin, as well as local and state workforce and economic development partners.

Notice Requirements for Layoffs

In some cases, under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, federal/state law may require written notice be provided 60 days in advance of a business closing or workforce reduction. Employers must comply with both laws if they both apply. Once notice is provided, the Rapid Response team will work with a company to present information to workers affected by the layoff.