In the Computer Consulting case that Business Communicators are trying to solve depending on how the case is handled and the information is communicated will leave the company with either a positive or negative environment or a mix of both.
First the positive environment. The communication that is distributed company wide has to first explain the reason for the decision and action. The communication must also address the methodology used to reach the conclusions that Mr. Omputer has determined to cut jobs to rightsize his company as well as a date that this will occur. The communication must also provide a thank you for the commitment to the employees to Computer Consultants in creating its success so far. This of course will not make everyone happy nor will it save any jobs, but it will at least show respect of the past work that the employees have completed, and give them a basis for why this is occurring versus the company saying "thanks there is the door". Mr. Omputer also has decided to provide severance packages based on seniority as well as assistance in finding new employment through the EAP office for those that are displaced, so this needs to also be placed in the communication and should hopefully assist in the reduction of backlash of this action.
Once this company wide notice is given then there will need to be a departmental communication for the department heads to communicate with their staff what will be the effect of this announcement on the specific department in the specific city location, that should take place close to the drop date to minimize the reduction in productivity.
The negative environment would occur if the communication is not done correctly. This would be where the communication is not explanatory, the tone is dismissive of the employees, is done where there is no warning of the impending cuts but just cuts the staff now, offers no assistance or guidance for the displaced staff and finally does not place any value on the work the longtime employees of the company have completed. Then there is also the the need to have a positive reassuring message for those that are still employed with the company so they stay productive and are not stressed about the axe falling on them in the following weeks and months. To omit this from the communication plan would have long term effects on the success of Computer Consultants even if it the company was "rightsized" for the current business demand due to low productivity and morale.
How should this communication plan be administered is what the Business Communicators 2.0 need to help Mr. Omputer determine. What would be the best communication form to make the company announcement to meet the positive outcome objectives? What is a back up plan for the communication if there is a negative backlash? These are all the questions still to be resolved through the brainstorming of BC 2.0.
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I think one of the hardest things with "rightsizing" is that once an announcement is made that this is going to happen, everyone becomes concerned about their job and also the jobs of their friends.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure if there is a way to overcome this because it is important that everyone knows what is going on with the company.
I am not sure how to overcome the negative backlash that is going to happen. People are at a chance of losing their jobs and I am not sure how that can become positive.
I do not think I am much help here right now, but will keep thinking.
Jim,
ReplyDeleteYou are focused on the "issue" that faces all companies, how to do this without a negative backlash. You are thinking in the right direction but what if you had to actually come up with the solution :). It is all in how the employees perceive the process, which communication is the majority factor.