| Redundancy
Redundancy is often a term that gets thrown around
a lot these days. With more and more companies finding that a merger is the way forward, eliminating redundancy is always a major target in
the merger.
Simply put, a redundancy means that there
are more than one person, group or organization performing the same
function. For instance, a company with twenty different branches
may a purchasing department at each branch.
Each purchasing manager at each branch is responsible for purchasing
supplies for that branch alone. In a case like
this, it would probably be more cost effective to centralize the
purchasing function in one location. Not only would this type of
setup be easier to manage, but since they would be buying in larger
quantities, the company would most likely be able to realize lower
prices from their various suppliers.
Of course, eliminating redundancy can have
its downsides as well. There are unique situations in each location
of a
company, and these unique situations are not always properly addressed
by a centralized business unit. Reducing
redundancy should be done slowly and carefully. It may be difficult
and costly to roll back a decision later if it does not work the
way you expected.
When two companys merge, there is always
a temptation to slash payrolls and eliminating redundancy. It is
usually best to be wait and take your time with redundancy. It will
take some time for the new owners to establish exactly what each
business unit does. It may turn out that there is less redundancy
than they thought. Once the true redundant functions are identified,
it is essential that the best people be retained. Having years of
experience walk out the door is a big blow to any organization.
The executive team in charge of the reorganization should take the
time to review the employment records of all people in the department
to determine who the real standouts are.
Once the major functions are centralized
and redundancies are eliminated, it is essential that you get the
support of
both the management team and the rank and file employees. I think
business executives often underestimate how resistant
people are to change. They can sometimes see resistance to change
as a weakness or a character flaw. In fact, being
frightened of change is a natural human reaction. Every person has
a comfort zone, both in their professional as well
as their personal life. Removing your employees from that comfort
zone can be quite disconcerting, and you should expect some grumbling
from the troops. Instead of trying to quash that discontent, the
smart business executive will understand it and address the concerns
of the troops.
Effective, honest communication is a vital
part of any effort to reduce redundancy. Any time a company is purchased
by
another or two companies merge, the employees at both companies
know that there will be changes. Many people automatically assume
the worst and assume that they will be one of those eliminated in
the redundancy reduction. The smart executive team will take the
time to honestly communicate the company’s plans and address
the concerns of the workers at both firms.
Of course, you will not be able to share every business decision.
You may not know exactly the way things will go until you start
digging in, but communicating a basic strategy and giving the rank
and file employees an idea of the way things will go is a smart
strategy.
Of course, employees should also be understanding
when it comes to merging companies and reducing redundancy. If your
job is in the private sector, your employment is dependent on your
employer’s ability to make a profit and stay in business.
In the competitive world market we find ourselves in, it is more
challenging than ever for companies to make a profit and stave off
competition from leaner and meaner companies. It makes perfect sense
for a business to take advantage of every cost savings they can
find. It is difficult any time job cuts are necessary, but the smart
employee will remember that if the company goes out of business
it will cost everyone their job. Helping the company reorganize
effectively is in your long term best interest as well as that of
your company.
Created by Ryann Cairns
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