Case Study on Change

Jennifer, the owner and manager of a company with ten employees, has hired you to take over the HRM function so she can focus on other areas of her business. During your first two weeks, you find out that the company has been greatly affected by the up economy and is expected to experience overall revenue growth by 10 percent over the next three years, with some quarters seeing growth as high as 30 percent. However, five of the ten workers are expected to retire within three years. These workers have been with the organization since the beginning and provide a unique historical perspective of the company. The other five workers are of diverse ages.

In addition to these changes, Jennifer believes they may be able to save costs by allowing employees to work from home one to two days per week. She has some concerns about productivity if she allows employees to work from home. But the data from post covid reflects that people are equal to, or more productive at home. Jennifer has even considered closing down the physical office and making her company a virtual organization, but she wonders how such a major change will affect the ability to communicate as well as overall worker motivation.

Jennifer shares with you her thoughts about the costs of health care on the organization. She has considered cutting benefits entirely and having her employees work for her on a contract basis, instead of being full-time employees. She isnt sure if this would be a good choice. A much deeper dive on the pros and cons is needed.

Jennifer schedules a meeting with you to discuss some of her thoughts. To prepare for the meeting, you perform research so you can impress your new boss with recommendations on the challenges presented.

1. Outline your thoughts - point by point to address all areas to be discussed. Research, and provide a well thought through plan of points of discussion.

2. Include what you believe are some concerns/risks the company and HR should be aware of when making changes as well as the benefits.

3. What questions will you need to ask Jennifer?

4. And once you decide on the plan of change - What would your role be in implementing these changes? What would Jennifers role be?