(Hundreds of Big Lot’s stores are closing around the U.S. Effects are being felt here in Columbus.)

The news is never good when workers are informed of pending layoffs and closures.  Sadly, this has been occurring more frequently this year as several local companies have announced layoffs and closures including Bath & Body Works, Pitney Bowes, Charter Communications and most recently Big Lots.  The good news is that staff from Ohio Means Jobs, Columbus – Franklin County can respond by providing in-person job and career coaching, placement, and other services as part of Rapid Response outreach.

At Big Lots the outreach started early when staff at OMJ learned Big Lots had filed a Warn Notice, a federal requirement of employers to report pending layoffs.  Staff contacted the Big Lot’s management team to discuss available services and assistance for impacted employees and counseling sessions where scheduled as a result.  OMJ offerings include resume development, career development, job matching and funding for upskilling.  Candidates can pursue similar jobs available in the community or try something entirely different.  Applications for unemployment compensation are discussed but the goal is for impacted employees to be reemployed as quickly as possible.  

Employers who engage in RR services have noted that these services increase the morale of those impacted and reduce the cost of unemployment paid out.  Services are provided at no cost to the employers or employees.  

“Going in, the impacted staff are understandably concerned about their futures,” says Josh Alverez, OMJCFC Job Center Operator. “Once we make them aware of the next steps, and the many opportunities, it’s gratifying to see them become optimistic about the possibilities.”  

While layoffs are never a good thing, they are sometimes necessary or unavoidable in an evolving business climate.  Rapid Response is a great example of how the state and the Ohio Means Jobs Center can step in during difficult times to provide valuable assistance and services to support citizens and businesses.

The OMJCFC designed a series of events called the Big Lots Hiring Initiative designed to help dislocated workers from the Big Lots Phillipi Road Distribution Center transition into new employment opportunities.  Ongoing in-person sessions conducted at the Big Lot’s warehouse on Philippi Road include resume sessions, customized job matching events with other employers, and job seeker orientations covering the array of service offerings at the Job Center.  To date, more than 250 workers have either attended a session or registered for an upcoming one.