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The Regional Brewer – Introducing new T&Cs
The Challenge
A family-owned regional brewery was expanding its operations through a new contract to bottle and package a major household soft drinks brand. The new contract demanded not only new ways of working, but for people to agree to changes in their terms and conditions, something that could not be imposed on the workforce. With Union members due to vote on any changes, there was just one chance to get the message across and gain commitment from the workforce.
The Solution
The company could not simply change people's contracts, nor would commitment be generated by simply telling people that change was happening. The approach taken was to:
- Facilitate agreement among the senior management team around what
the new contract meant for the organisation, how it supported the business
and vision, what changes to business and working practices were needed,
what the benefits would be and what the potential issues would be
- Develop a communication strategy that included what we wanted employees to think, feel and do as a result of communication, hence what communication standards and style were required, what needed to be said through what media and to what timescales
- Involve line managers and supervisors in the communication chain as their new role was very different to that to which they were accustomed - it demanded leadership, whereas they were used to managing tasks. Involving them in developing and delivering communication, including coaching communication, was a first step in their changing role
- Ensure senior managers were 'on-message' and consistent in their
dealings with staff to obviate mixed messages and limit rumours
- Work with Union representatives to ensure questions and issues were
dealt with promptly and honestly
- Conduct a presentation the day before the vote was due to take place. All staff were given a presentation by the director of production with
time for Q&A, and took away a 'pack' giving the rationale behind
the changes and the implications for each individual to the changes
in pay and benefits. 85% voted in favour of the changes.
If you would like more information on how Perfect Circle
can help you engage your workforce, please contact us on: 0117
915 4552, or click
here to email us now.
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