Randstad RiseSmart, a global talent solutions organisation under the umbrella of Randstad N.V., has been gaining attention for its innovative and ambitious approach to coaching in the workplace. With a commitment to making coaching universally accessible, the company aims to transform how employees engage with career development and talent management globally.
Lindsay Witcher, the global managing director for Randstad RiseSmart, stated, “It is our ambition that we get to a point where coaching is a given for every person in the workforce — making it such that everybody, everywhere, can have access to a coach.” This perspective positions coaching as a fundamental resource rather than a luxury, focusing on enhancing the overall employee experience.
Founded in 2007 in Silicon Valley, RiseSmart began as an outplacement provider, established by Sanjay Sathé and Dan Davenport who perceived traditional outplacement services as inadequate. Their breakthrough came with the development of the SmartMatch tool, designed to streamline job searches and improve job matching. Witcher joined RiseSmart in 2011, and under her leadership, the company has expanded its services significantly, now operating in over 100 countries across various industries.
The company operates within two main sectors: outplacement services, helping individuals transition after layoffs or during organisational changes, and workplace coaching, designed to support employees in their roles. The recent introduction of a digital coaching solution reflects customer demand for accessible coaching, enhancing employee agency and allowing for a broader reach within organisations. “For a long time, our customers said, ‘You do such an amazing job helping our people as they’re leaving our organization; how can we bring those great services to our people who are staying?’” Witcher explained.
Randstad RiseSmart’s approach to coaching is noteworthy for its emphasis on scalability and inclusivity. Rather than relying on costly individual licensing models, the company implements a pay-as-you-go system. This method enables a wider pool of employees to access coaching services without the financial and administrative burdens typically associated with coaching programmes. “That’s a really important differentiation,” Witcher pointed out, highlighting the company’s ability to adapt traditional models for modern organisational needs.
Chris Perkins, the Marketing Manager at Randstad RiseSmart, shared insights on the coaching model, asserting that it aims to empower all employees, regardless of seniority. “Coaching should not be reserved only for those who meet certain criteria; it should be a benefit available to everyone,” he said. This strategy reflects the belief that individual contributors and frontline employees play crucial roles in organisational success.
The coaching experience is designed to be flexible and employee-driven, allowing individuals to choose the topics they wish to explore with their coaches. Witcher stated, “No one knows better what an individual person needs to thrive in their career than that individual.” This personalised approach is intended to address the root causes of workplace challenges rather than imposing generic solutions.
Randstad RiseSmart also prioritises delivering a “Wow!” experience both for clients and employees, focusing on satisfaction, engagement, and quality service. “When people have gone through other outplacement programs or other coaching programs and then work with us, we get tons of feedback about how it is really, really different,” Witcher remarked.
The effectiveness of this model is evident in client relationships, such as with Cisco, which has implemented Randstad RiseSmart’s coaching services for its global workforce of over 80,000 employees. Cisco also provides access to resume services, promoting employee mobility within the organisation. Witcher noted the emotional challenges associated with job transitions, stating, “There’s research that shows that the emotional impact of losing your job is second only to losing a spouse.”
Randstad RiseSmart’s innovative programmes exemplify a shift towards more holistic and supportive career transition strategies. By redefining coaching as an accessible and essential workplace tool, the company is not only reshaping individual career paths but is also influencing broader organisational practices. As Randstad RiseSmart continues to develop its offerings, the focus remains on empowering individuals to navigate their career journeys more effectively while enhancing overall workforce satisfaction.
Source: Noah Wire Services