Message Strategies: Making Negative Announcements

[LO-4] Read the following document and

(a) analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each sentence and

(b) revise the document so that it follows this chapter’s guidelines.

In view of the substantial increase in corporate expenditure that has severely impacted our bottom line, our finance controller has decided to introduce some cost-cutting measures with effect from the first of next month.

The free corporate lunch will no longer be available, but employees can purchase their meals at a subsidized rate. Further, the cafeteria will be open only between 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. for lunch and no late-comers will be entertained. The cooling system in the office will be turned off during lunch hours. Tea and coffee will be available at the vending machine installed on each floor.

It has been observed that there is indiscriminate waste of stationary and hence each department will now be required to maintain a log of all items requisitioned. Unnecessary photocopying will not be permitted.

The company plans to discontinue free transportation to and from the office, but team members can share a taxi ride among themselves.

These changes are imperative and are subject to revision no sooner than improvement of our profit margins. We hope that all of you will cooperate and work cohesively to reduce unwarranted expenses and thereby ensure a healthy financial environment for you and other stakeholders. Should anyone have any reservations about these measures, please write in and let me know.