Messe München

We were mandated to guide the transformation, focusing on capacity adjustment and organizational structure. First, the inevitable downsizing process was planned by a combined core team of internals and externals using our White Book approach. The personnel overhang was determined, and target organizational structures were developed, together with divisional managers. Taking a holistic approach, this work included a review of the headcount across all hierarchy levels and an evaluation of personnel costs. At the same time, management levels and team structures were optimized. Further structural measures were taken to create a sustainable, more flexible organization.

The structured approach was backed up by a communication strategy and training for divisional managers.  Employees and the works council also received timely, in-depth information that was shared in a way that reflected the sensitivity of the issues being addressed. Throughout the entire process, the advisory team worked very closely with the HR team and supported negotiations. Thanks to the detailed and comprehensibly documented White Book, a trusting relationship with the works council was created.
 

During the implementation phase, the advisory team prepared a socially responsible process for determining who would be laid off and assisted with the voluntary layoff program, a concept that was widely accepted by employees and facilitated a smooth transformation.