It is critical to recognize that all employees will be affected in one way or another by the impact of organizational change. The key to success is proper planning and a well thought out implementation process.
Several considerations are:

Proper advance analysis should be conducted to determine both the short and long term impact of transition options. It is important to determine if proposed changes create unreasonable expectations or unreasonable workloads for remaining employees.

Communication is key. We recommend that management and labor work together in advance of change implementation to work through downsizing issues. This will help to present a unified communications source. Correct information early on is important to avoid union bumping issues and any other related challenges.

	This is one of the most important considerations. The delivery of words, actions, and communiqués must be clear, specific, honest, timely, and reinforced in order to support organizational recovery. This will help the organization to move forward and to reduce employee confusion.
	Opportunities to express feelings about change and loss need to be provided for both management and associates. Only after a period of time and constant communications can organizational rebuilding and growth begin.
	Treating transitioned associates with respect and recognizing remaining employees for their efforts and increased workloads will help to rebuild trust and loyalty.

Each department needs to be aware of how it may be impacted upon by organizational change and needs to be prepared to plan and respond. Pre-planning by each department will help the organization successfully manage through change.

Each department and manager should be properly trained to implement strategies to minimize organizational and business disruptions.

Organizations will need to develop new goals and communicate new directions to the rest of the team in order to rebuild and grow after a mourning period.

It is important to implement well thought out transition plans and strategies to help successfully manage through a reduction in workforce.

Productivity

Workplace effectiveness, in terms of quality and productivity, may be negatively impacted, if a well thought out strategy is not developed and implemented. Careful planning, communication, and attention must be addressed in advance of change. This will help to ensure that on-going business, client services, organizational work processes, performance expectations, and workloads are not negatively affected.