Chris Holman welcomes back Nick Chaffin, Program Compliance Officer, CAMW! Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing, MI, but serving Ingham, Eaton and Clinton Counties.
Watch Nick and Chris discuss Michigan’s Rapid Response program, supporting businesses and workers facing layoffs, in the YouTube video shared below:
In their conversation, Chris looked to find out several things from Nick;
THEME: Capital Area Michigan Works! reviews the Rapid Response program and its role in supporting employers and employees through a layoff.
- Question: What is the Rapid Response program and how does it support businesses facing layoffs or closures?
The Rapid Response Program aims to respond to downsizing and closures that impact our region’s workforce, enabling those affected to return to work as soon as possible.
The program’s benefits are two-fold: supporting employees impacted by job loss and benefiting businesses as they navigate business changes.
We know that layoffs are a difficult decision for employers to make. By working with our Rapid Response Team, employers can implement strategies before a layoff to prevent downsizing or ensure their employees are supported and connected to other available employment opportunities if a layoff is truly needed.
Additional employer benefits include:
Minimizing disruption during workforce transitions.
Implementing cost-friendly aversion strategies that reduce turnover and recruitment costs.
Connections to financial aid, training and incentives.
The program helps employees who experience layoffs find new positions that match their skill sets. Employees may also receive early intervention to help them make informed decisions concerning their future and employment services including training and income support.
Through the combined efforts of local workforce boards, economic development organizations and other stakeholders, Rapid Response helps communities address the broader economic impact of significant layoffs or closures, supports efforts to revitalize local economies and helps employees find opportunities to reenter the workforce quickly.
- Question: What steps does the Rapid Response program take to support impacted employees?
If layoffs are unavoidable, a worker orientation meeting will be organized, where the CAMW! team will meet with affected employees and connect them with information and support in finding a new job.
Rapid Response meetings with the workforce are designed to help the employees file for Unemployment Insurance and get established with their local Michigan Works! Agencies. Some of the resources provided in meetings include:
Basic assessment, job development, advanced screened referrals, group activities and job search support. Comprehensive personalized assessments, counseling, case management, literacy activities, out-of-area job search and relocation assistance.
Training opportunities like on-the-job training, workplace training with instruction, registered apprenticeships, skill upgrading & retraining so workers can perform transitional jobs.
CAMW! staff will also provide information on the WIOA Dislocated Workers program, an initiative designed to help workers get back to work as quickly as possible after losing their jobs due to layoffs, plant closures or other economic factors.
- Question: Why is it important that businesses employ the Rapid Response program when facing potential layoffs, and what are some additional benefits the program offers that employers may not know about?
An astounding 40% of Americans have been laid off or terminated from a job at least once in their career, and nearly half of employed Americans experience lay-off anxiety according to Into Opportunity.
Furthermore, nearly half of Americans say they do not feel prepared for the possibility of being laid off.
In 2024, Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notifications saw the most reported layoffs in Michigan since 2020 at more than 9,200.
It is imperative now more than ever that employers take the necessary steps to ensure they are prepared to guide affected employees following a layoff.
The Rapid Response program offers a secure plan for businesses and can help alleviate anxiety for workers. In addition to connecting employers and affected workers with the resources of the Unemployment Insurance Agency and CAMW! to facilitate rapid reemployment, Rapid Response delivers other benefits including:
Information on employment and training opportunities.
Technical and financial support for establishing a Joint Adjustment Committee.
Emergency assistance, including state and federal funds, to serve the affected workers at identified sites.
- Question: Where can people go to learn more about the Rapid Response program?
To learn more about the Rapid Response program or connect with CAMW’s business services team, contact Tekea Norwood, Chief Operating Officer, at (517) 492-5541, or Nick Chaffin, Program Compliance Officer, at (517) 492- 5524.
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