Financial Times

1 total work

Creating a Resilient Workforce

by Kusum Sahdev, Sue Vinnicombe, and John Bank

Published 18 June 2001

Publication Date: November 2000 Making staff redundant is still a process many companies are forced to go through even in times of economic stability and modest growth. Whilst considerable attention is paid to the treatment of staff made redundant, those who keep their jobs are expected to work harder than ever with the constant worry that next time it may be them. The challenge for companies is how to create a loyal and motivated workforce among those left behind. This new report from Cranfield School of Management sets out how a company can ensure that the core workforce remains focussed, productive and committed to realising the benefits of downsizing. Based on unique research carried out with over 60 large organisations, the report distils information gathered from interviews with senior HR professionals and managers. It provides a variety of models to enable organisations to effectively manage their workplace both during and after a round of redundancies. Contents include: *What is downsizing? *How should the process be handled? *The impact of downsizing on the survivors *UK and US cultures *In-depth case studies *Key lessons *Future Challenges