Ghaïst Touma

Work Reorganization

Helping Teams Through a Reorganization

Acquisitions, downsizings, mergers, restructuring and other major changes requiring reorganization present new challenges and demands for all teams across the organization. If these changes are badly managed they will lead to issues such as:

• Unplanned turnover
• Demoralization
• Decreased cooperation
• Increased levels of organizational stress
• Anxiety in employees
• Absenteeism 

Members of executive, functional and cross-functional teams must all learn to cope and adjust in the best way possible. The following is a few simple tips for managers to keep in mind in order to help keep their teams on track and productive during and after a reorganization:

• Know Your Team
• Be Sympathetic
• Discuss Realistic Expectations
• Shifting Relationship Structure
• Act as harmonizing influence by looking for opportunities to mediate and resolve minor disputes.
• Encourage all team members to share information.
• Support brainstorming and consensus decision-making where appropriate.

End of Employment

• Termination Planning
  • Removing the Element of Surprise
  • Taking a Difficult Journey Together
  • Proper Timing (not on holidays)
• Delivering Notice
  • Dignity and Honesty Are Not Incompatible
  • Humanity Minimizes Litigation
• Managing Morales of Survivors, Work Teams and Support Staff