Page 155 - Socially-responsible-restructuring-Effective-strategies-for-supporting-redundant-workers

Socially responsible restructuring
Effective strategies for supporting redundant workers

explanation may also be found in the fact that Startkraft reports contracts shorter
than six months as ‘new positions’.

6.12.6. Innovation and effectiveness
The ‘right-sizing’ project does not contain any truly innovative elements other
than the size of the restructuring and the fact that all measures were taken on a
large scale. The following success factors were identified:
(a) early planning with the involvement of trade unions and external
collaborators;
(b) a clear project with regards to responsibilities, economic resources,
schedule and expected results;
(c) close cooperation between human resources and finance departments for a
target-oriented process, and a consistent communication strategy leading to
clear messages from the top management on the firm’s future goals;
(d) support to managers at all stages of the restructuring process and visible
leadership at all levels.
Through a survey among managers and personnel, Volvo Cars received
positive feedback on the way the structuring process had been carried out. In
particular, the personnel were satisfied with the employer’s efforts to meet the
needs and expectations of redundant employees as far as possible. In particular,
many employees praised the fact that the external service providers had offices
in the same building as Volvo, allowing employees to get advice in an easy
manner.

6.13. Better West Midlands Project, UK

(CASE STUDY 13)

6.13.1. Background and context
The West Midlands region of the United Kingdom (UK) has a long history of
manufacturing and continues to be a major centre for sectors such as
automotive, mechanical and electrical engineering, with many of the businesses
being interdependent, such as the motor manufacturers and their supplier
companies. In all regions there is a rapid response service in the event of mass
redundancies, which basically harnesses existing guidance and training provision
through Jobcentre Plus, the public employment service, although activities tend
to focus on job search.

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