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Offer
14.09.2026 Ifenna Ekezie 56

New Placement Best Practices: New Career Opportunities for Employees

Companies are changing. Departments are being closed, tasks are being outsourced, processes are being digitized, or work arrangements are changing due to health-related limitations. For the employees affected, this often means more than just an organizational change: it’s about security, self-confidence, and the question of how their careers can move forward.  

Using two case studies, gain concrete insight into the situations in which outplacement and new placement consulting with Softdoor and the pme Familienservice can be effectively utilized to help affected employees find new career opportunities that are supported by all parties involved. 

New Hires and Best Practices

What does "new placement" mean in change processes? 

Newplacement is a professional support service for employees whose current professional situation is changing; it is designed to help them identify possible alternative career paths and facilitate a smooth and rapid reentry into the workforce. 

For example, this could mean: 

  • an internal transfer to another team or a sister company, 
  • modifying the existing workstation, 
  • a tailored continuing education program, 
  • a new assignment based on existing experience, 
  • returning to work after health-related limitations, 
  • an external agency, 
  • or—if it suits the individual and the situation—the move toward self-employment. 

The focus is on three questions

  • Where else could the employee be assigned? 
  • What potential and transferable skills does this person bring to the table? 
  • What solution is viable for everyone involved? 

To that end, we look in all directions:  

  • to adapt the current workstation,  
  • an internal position,  
  • a certification  
  • or—if necessary—a new perspective outside the company.  

Outplacement – Newplacement

Find new placement solutions that all parties can support 

We don’t leave people to navigate change processes on their own—neither the individuals affected nor the HR professionals and managers within the company. Together with Softdoor GmbH, we provide professional support to you and your employees throughout outplacement and new placement processes.  

These best practices illustrate how we support companies and their employees through challenging change processes:

  • Reintegration Following Health-Related Limitations
  • until the realignment
  • or department closures.  

The focus is always on the “Wegfinder” approach: Working together with the individuals involved, we identify their aptitudes, aptitudes, and interests; develop suitable career paths; and, where possible, take advantage of funding opportunities provided by the relevant funding agencies.  

Our Partnership with Softdoor GmbH for Outplacement & Newplacement 

pme Familienservice and Softdoor are combining their expertise to provide comprehensive support to companies and employees throughout outplacement and new placement processes. Learn more about the benefits of this partnership for you as an employer and how we can support you. 

New Placement Best Practice 1: Department Closure Affects Long-Time Employee with a Severe Disability 

Initial Situation:

A company is closing a small department with 15 employees because the work performed there is being outsourced. Among those affected is an employee who has been working in her position for about ten years and has a recognized severe disability . Since employees with severe disabilities enjoy special protection against termination, a sensitive yet solution-oriented approach is required.  

Softdoor and pme's approach in this case:  

  • Joint discussions with HR, pme, and Softdoor to assess needs, as well as with the client in question and a Softdoor counselor, to clarify the situation and build trust.  
  • With the consent of the individuals concerned, Softdoor conducts the Wegfinder analysis: a client-centered assessment of inclinations, aptitude, interests, and personal stability.  
  • Check with the Human Resources department to see if there are any suitable open positions within the company or at affiliated companies (the “home port” principle: internal solutions take precedence over external ones).  
  • If a training program is required in the next step (e.g., an accounting course), Softdoor identifies the appropriate educational provider in the region—online or in person—and assesses the participant’s suitability.  
  • Softdoor prepares the application for the Federal Employment Agency . The agency generally not only covers the course costs but may also continue to pay wages during the program, if applicable.  

Results of the new placement support:  

  • After about four months, the employee successfully completes the training program, including the exam, and begins her regular on-the-job training at her new position.  
  • The employer bears no financial burden throughout the entire program, as the Federal Employment Agency covers both the training costs and, if applicable, continued wage payments. 

Synergy of Skills:  

  • pme Familienservice facilitates the human aspect of the change process and sensitively guides both the corporate client and the affected employee (client) through this time of transition.  
  • Softdoor brings expertise in funding programs, funding agencies (the German Social Accident Insurance Association, the German Pension Insurance, and the Federal Employment Agency), and appropriate training pathways—including determining which agency is responsible in each individual case.  


 

New Placement Best Practice 2: Changing Work Conditions Affect a Long-Time Employee with Valuable Experience and Expertise  

Initial Situation:

An employee has been working in a specific area of production for many years. Thanks to her long tenure, she has acquired a very high level of expertise regarding the processes and requirements in that area. However, due to changes in her physical condition or organizational circumstances, she is no longer able to perform her current job without difficulty. At this time, the company does not see a suitable role for her—even though her specific experience and knowledge could be valuable for other tasks. 

Approach taken by Softdoor and pme:

  • Softdoor identifies existing expertise as a transferable core competency, regardless of the original job description.  
  • This knowledge is supplemented by hands-on AI training: The focus is not on programming skills, but rather on the targeted use of AI agents to implement consulting projects based on existing subject matter expertise.  
  • Softdoor assesses the eligibility of this combined qualification and helps identify suitable career paths—such as a position in an internal department, a consulting firm, or self-employment. 

Results of the new placement support:  

Expertise developed over many years is giving rise to a new, forward-looking role: for example, as an in-house consultant on process-related issues or as an independent consultant who combines traditional expertise with modern AI tools.  

Synergy of Skills:

  • Softdoor identifies transferable skills that aren't apparent in traditional job descriptions and combines them with tailored professional development.  
  • pme helps companies recognize and actively leverage this often-underestimated potential of their experienced employees.

Who is a Newplacement consultation suitable for? 

Newplacement solutions are useful when companies want to retain, reassign, or provide additional training to employees during organizational changes, such as in the case of

Instead of a one-size-fits-all solution, we develop customized measures that open up career opportunities and are sustainable for both employers and employees. 

For more information on our partnership-based approach and our complete portfolio of services, please see the article“Outplacement: Partnership with Softdoor GmbH.” 


 

Request a no-obligation consultation now 

We would be happy to advise you personally and work with you to develop a solution that suits your situation. Contact us for a no-obligation initial consultation. 

Book a Newplacement Consultation!

 

zero Gratitude makes you healthy and happy

Woman smiles gratefully
Body & Soul
13.01.2026 Christin Müller 26356

Learning gratitude and staying healthy

We adults live our daily lives filled with to-do lists, tightly scheduled appointments, and ambitious goals. In doing so, we often overlook the small moments that truly enrich our lives. Yet gratitude is the key to a healthier and happier life. How you can learn gratitude and which method helps.

Learning gratitude increases the feeling of happiness

To feel gratitude, you need to look deep inside yourself. Leave all negativity behind and reflect on the positive aspects of your life—no matter how small they may be.

Gratitude has been proven to increase feelings of happiness and joy in life. And not only that:

Being grateful is something you can learn!

Gratitude method 1: Gratitude journal

There are various methods you can use to learn gratitude. The best known is the gratitude journal, in which you write down every day before going to bed what was nice about that day or what you are grateful for. One thing per day is enough. In our article "Writing down positive thoughts," we explain the principle of writing things down in more detail, which you are welcome to use as a template for your journal.

However, it is important not only to write down what you are grateful for, but also to reflect on it so that you can truly feel it.

Gratitude method 2: The 5-finger method

We would like to introduce you to one gratitude method today because it gives you a holistic feeling and quickly and effectively sharpens your eye for the little things mentioned above.

The starting point for this gratitude exercise is the 5-finger communication method developed by American psychologist Elsbeth Martindale. You can do this exercise regularly or whenever you're feeling down. You'll quickly experience a boost in your mood and a lasting increase in your well-being.

Use your hand as an aid and go through the following five steps one after the other.


 

  1. Thumbs: Familiarize yourself with the topic! Think about what you are really proud of. Be aware of your strengths and give yourself a pat on the back.
  2. Point the finger: Point to the facts! What excites and inspires you? For example, think of something beautiful from nature or a piece of work that you have created.
  3. Middle finger: Name your feelings! What good thing have you done for someone and how did it make you feel? How does it make you feel when you think about it now? Think about who you could do something good for next.
  4. Ring finger: What makes you feel good? Think of the person(s) you love or have loved. What feelings does this trigger in you?
  5. Little finger: What do you want? Name one thing you are grateful for.

Do you already feel a change?

Gratitude makes you healthy


 

Better sleep and less anxiety through greater gratitude

You may already have guessed that gratitude makes you feel content and happy. But did you know that it can be a true all-round remedy?

People who are grateful generally have a positive attitude toward life. It improves sleep and reduces feelings such as anger, anxiety, and depression. Gratitude increases motivation and reduces chronic stress—both in your private life and at work.

This has even been scientifically proven in various studies over the past 20 years. A 2015 study by the University of California even found that being grateful has been shown to improve heart health.

The good thing about it is:

"Gratitude can be trained, just like curiosity or humor."

says psychologist Willibald Ruch from the University of Zurich.

Those who practice this regularly increase their well-being. After some time, the neurobiological effects of gratitude training have even been proven by brain scans, according to Spiegel scientists at the University of Indiana (2016).

Learning gratitude: The most important questions and answers

What does it mean to learn gratitude?

Learning gratitude means deliberately focusing on the positive things in everyday life and using techniques to actively feel gratitude and establish it as an attitude.

Why is gratitude important for health?

Gratitude not only increases feelings of happiness and joy, but according to studies, it can also reduce stress, improve sleep, increase motivation, and even strengthen heart health.

How can I practice gratitude?

The easiest way to do this is with methods such as keeping a gratitude journal—writing down one positive experience every day—or Elsbeth Martindale's 5-finger method, which involves reflecting on different aspects of your life.

Can everyone learn gratitude?

Yes, studies and experts such as Prof. Willibald Ruch prove that gratitude, like curiosity or humor, can be trained—and regular practice leads to measurable improvements in well-being.

How quickly do the effects of practicing gratitude become apparent?

Positive effects can occur after just a few weeks of regular training, e.g., more zest for life, less stress, or better sleep.

What scientific evidence is there for the effects of gratitude?

Studies conducted by the University of California (2015) and the University of Indiana (2016) show that gratitude promotes neurobiological changes, protects the heart, and increases overall well-being.

What other benefits does practicing gratitude offer?

In addition to improved well-being, many people report stronger relationships, greater resilience, and increased satisfaction in their everyday lives—both personally and professionally.

Health impulses with the pme "Healthy Bites"

Looking for a small portion of well-being? Our "Healthy Bites" give you ideas for more relaxation, balance, activity and feel-good moments in your everyday work and private life.

They are not a substitute for professional help from counselors and psychologists. If you are experiencing addiction problems, persistent low mood, ongoing excessive stress, or deeper mental health issues, please seek professional advice, for example from pme Familienservice (link opens in a new window).