Lessons from France Telecom - handling restructures

Performance culture expert Nigel Watson of Q4 Solutions explores why the role HR can play in restructuring is so vital, ensuring staff are mentally prepared and are working within a supportive culture in order to avoid problems like those seen at France Telecom.
 

The recession has forced many businesses to review how they operate and in an effort to cut costs and streamline processes, some are facing the prospect of restructure and possible redundancies. A few months ago we saw revelations that France Telecom was experiencing high levels of suicides following a huge restructure. Having worked with organisations that have experienced suicide problems in the past, I voiced concern at the time that urgent action was needed to manage the communication breakdown inside the organisation and to help breed a new culture that ‘has its roots in performance not in power.’