Strategic downsizing—a new model for implementing workforce reductions

Abstract

The article focuses on the proper implementation of workforce reductions. It notes that cutting all investments in the future, supporting staff, and areas such as customer support are some of the wrong ways to downsize. Accordingly, there are seven important steps to consider in reducing workforce, including starting with the strategic plan, identifying specific action steps, and communicating the plan and action items to the staff. It also suggests that platinum-to-lead model is one of the effective development tools to use, in which creating a simple table allows assessment of each employee's fit in the organization and makes it easier for managers to take action when needed.