Transformation | Project
Global FMCG
13 Dec, 2020 ยท 2 -minute read

To realign how its business was run and achieve record-breaking profit improvements, our client, a global FMCG, was planning to undergo the biggest reorganization in its history.

Unfortunately, the planned change would lead to a headcount reduction of around 10% of its European workforce - and unaffected employees would need to rally behind the business following the redundancies. A huge ask, given the circumstances.
1 Challenge

It was vital that we told the story of these changes clearly and respectfully.

Prior to the change being officially announced to the business, we helped our client develop a proactive advance communications strategy.

To ensure people could instantly recognize specific messaging about the program, a clear project name and visual identity was developed. The senior team, project team and other colleagues then helped us determine which channels would be most effective – and where there were gaps in the existing communication matrix.

With so many moving parts, planning communications and having a clear roadmap to navigate this period of uncertainty was vital. To help people through the process, we developed a ‘Strategic Masterplan’ designed to map the organization's core audiences against our own behavioral change model.

A key part of the project, this also offered the overarching information necessary to produce bespoke action plans which could then be used by local functions – crucial when it came to understanding exactly where people were on the change journey.
2 Solution
Change Communication Project

As with any transformation, there were successes and challenges in this project. Therefore, it was vital that we told the story of these changes clearly and respectfully.

In executing the plan, face-to-face and digital channels were used to provide managers and leaders with the tools and support they needed for effective delivery.

Templated communication plans and toolkits were created for smaller projects, enabling workstream leaders to deliver area-specific projects in line with the overall program plan.

As a result, awareness and appreciation of the program slowly began to climb, and the key messages and purpose behind the change permeated across the organization; with employees helping to drive the program through changes in behavior and ways of working.

Whilst change is always difficult and often has a direct impact on people’s lives, providing accurate, timely and respectful communication – even during challenging times – helps make the transition as seamless and pain free as possible for all those involved.
3 Outcome