High turnover often follows layoffs, restructuring, or rapid growth. When roles change fast, technical skills alone are not enough to keep people engaged. Soft skills and adjustment services funding helps employers support workers through change, build confidence, and improve retention—especially during periods of disruption. In Atlantic Canada, provincial adjustment services are designed to do exactly that.
Adjustment Services are provincially delivered employment supports that help workers and employers manage workforce change. In New Brunswick, these services are delivered through WorkingNB and focus on helping people transition to a positive employment outcome after layoffs, closures, or organizational change.
Unlike traditional wage subsidies, Adjustment Services often provide service-based support rather than direct cash payments. This includes planning, counselling, and training that addresses both job-related and human challenges.
Key ways Adjustment Services support retention include:
Soft skills training
Training can focus on communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving. These skills help employees cope with new responsibilities or workplace change.
Human resource support during change
Employers facing restructuring or expansion can receive HR management support to reduce uncertainty and improve morale.
Upskilling for current roles
Workers can receive training tied to their existing jobs, which helps them stay productive instead of seeking work elsewhere.
Layoff and transition support
When layoffs are unavoidable, services help affected workers reorient quickly, reducing long-term disengagement and reputational damage for employers.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter workforce and training programs by province and situation in seconds.
Technical training teaches employees what to do. Soft skills training teaches them how to work through stress, uncertainty, and new expectations. During periods of change, these skills directly affect retention.
Soft skills and adjustment services funding can help your business:
In New Brunswick, Adjustment Services are specifically positioned to respond to layoffs, closures, or major operational change, making them highly relevant for retention planning—not just re-employment.
Eligibility depends on the situation, but the program generally supports:
Support is coordinated through WorkingNB offices, which assess needs and connect workers or employers to appropriate services.
Many employers wait until after job losses occur. Adjustment Services can also be used earlier to support upskilling and soft skills development that prevents turnover.
This program primarily provides services, not cheques. Planning for training delivery and staff time is essential.
Front-line managers often struggle most during change. Skipping soft skills training for supervisors can undermine retention efforts.
Support is more effective when accessed early. Waiting until morale drops or exits begin limits the impact of the services.
Q: What are Adjustment Services in New Brunswick?
Adjustment Services are employment supports delivered through WorkingNB. They help workers and employers manage layoffs, closures, and workplace change through training and transition support.
Q: Do Adjustment Services provide direct grants to businesses?
In most cases, support is service-based rather than direct cash funding. This can include training, counselling, and HR support tied to workforce adjustment needs.
Q: Can employers use Adjustment Services for soft skills training?
Yes. Soft skills training related to current roles and workplace change is an eligible use of Adjustment Services in New Brunswick.
Q: How do workers or employers access Adjustment Services?
Access typically starts by contacting a local WorkingNB office. Program staff assess the situation and recommend appropriate services.
Q: Is there a deadline to apply for Adjustment Services?
There is no fixed application deadline, but availability depends on individual circumstances and program capacity. Early engagement is strongly recommended.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active workforce and training-related programs across Canada — check which ones match your business profile.
If your business is facing change, soft skills and adjustment services funding can be a practical way to keep experienced workers engaged and productive. Start by understanding what services are available in your province and how they align with your workforce challenges. Platforms like GrantHub help you see relevant adjustment and training programs in one place, so you can plan your next move with confidence.
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