Team
Building Following a Corporate Reorganization
One of the most difficult
times to promote employee relations is after a layoff or other corporate
reorganization. Employees feel uncertain about their future with the company
and any attempt to encourage them to engage in team building ideas may fall flat.
Ironically, the time when team building Sydney is most important is before,
during or after a corporate reorganization. There is the obvious benefit to the
company and productivity. When the workforce is reduced, it may require a
shifting of work assignment or requiring additional duties of existing
employees. However, the most important thing for employees at this time is that
they feel appreciated, and understand their role within the company.
Be
Honest, Break the News Gently
One mistake that some
managers make is to ignore the problems by pretending they do not exist. When
employees are not sure exactly what is going on, they will generally assume the
worst. This technique breeds more gossip and uncertainty, which further hinders
workplace productivity. One effect of this secrecy is constant pressure on
middle management because they are being bombarded by employees looking for
information. While some information does need to remain confidential or may be
uncertain even to the executive staff, employees need to know about what is
going on within the company. Projections can be shared that will give a better
idea about their future. If people are talking about the problems that led to
the situation, things can change for the better. Employees feel valued when
asked for their opinion. When employees feel supported,
they will also feel invested in the company.
Look
for Common Ground
As mentioned above,
informed employees are invested employees. Team building ideas that involve
employees will confirm their positions and give more encouragement that their
futures are secure. Management and employees must work together more closely
during the tentative times surrounding corporate downsizing. Looking for any
common goals helps individuals understand the position of management and vice
versa.
Knowing that both parties
are interested in securing the future of the company creates an equal playing
ground. This can also produce some great new ideas about how to run the company
with limited staff or less efficient equipment. In these sensitive areas, it is
a good idea to choose activities let individuals and groups see the situation
from a different perspective. Whenever possible, role play and problem solving
activities have been useful team building Sydney tactics that increased
workplace relationships and productivity.
