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What role does employee well-being play in the success of a reorganization, and how can it be maintained?


This article provides a detailed response to: What role does employee well-being play in the success of a reorganization, and how can it be maintained? For a comprehensive understanding of Reorganization, we also include relevant case studies for further reading and links to Reorganization best practice resources.

TLDR Employee well-being is crucial for Reorganization success, impacting productivity, culture, and innovation, with strategies like transparent communication and support essential.

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Before we begin, let's review some important management concepts, as they related to this question.

What does Employee Well-Being mean?
What does Operational Excellence mean?
What does Transparent Communication mean?
What does Employee Engagement mean?


Employee well-being is a critical factor in the success of any reorganization effort. As organizations strive to adapt to market changes, technological advancements, or shifts in strategic direction, the impact on employees can be profound. Maintaining employee well-being during these times is not just a matter of ethical responsibility but a strategic imperative that can determine the success or failure of the reorganization itself.

The Importance of Employee Well-Being in Reorganization

During reorganization, employees often face uncertainty, increased stress, and the potential for burnout. These factors can lead to decreased productivity, lower job satisfaction, and higher turnover rates—all of which can undermine the objectives of the reorganization. A study by McKinsey & Company highlights that organizations with high levels of employee satisfaction outperform their competitors by up to 20%. This underscores the importance of employee well-being not just for moral reasons but as a critical component of organizational performance.

Employee well-being affects not only individual performance but also team dynamics and organizational culture. In the context of reorganization, where new teams may be formed or existing ones restructured, the psychological safety and well-being of employees are paramount. This ensures that teams can function effectively and adapt to new challenges. Furthermore, maintaining a positive organizational culture during times of change is crucial for employee engagement and retention.

Moreover, organizations that prioritize employee well-being during reorganization are better positioned to achieve Operational Excellence and Innovation. Employees who feel supported are more likely to contribute ideas and take initiative, driving improvements in processes and products. This can be a significant competitive advantage in today's rapidly changing business environment.

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Strategies for Maintaining Employee Well-Being During Reorganization

To maintain employee well-being during reorganization, organizations must adopt a comprehensive and proactive approach. This involves not only addressing the immediate impacts of change but also fostering a culture of resilience and support. One effective strategy is to ensure transparent and frequent communication. Keeping employees informed about the reasons for the reorganization, expected outcomes, and how they will be affected can reduce uncertainty and anxiety. According to Deloitte, organizations with effective communication practices are 3.5 times more likely to outperform their peers.

Another critical strategy is providing support and resources for employees to manage stress and adapt to change. This can include access to mental health resources, training programs to develop new skills, and opportunities for career development within the new organizational structure. For example, Accenture offers a comprehensive "New Skills Now" initiative that helps employees adapt to digital transformation by providing training in new technologies and methodologies.

Engaging employees in the reorganization process can also play a significant role in maintaining well-being. By involving employees in decision-making, soliciting their input, and acknowledging their concerns, organizations can foster a sense of ownership and control among employees. This not only helps in identifying potential issues early on but also builds trust and commitment to the change process.

Real-World Examples of Successful Employee Well-Being Strategies

Several leading organizations have demonstrated the effectiveness of prioritizing employee well-being during reorganization. Google, for instance, is renowned for its employee-centric approach, which includes comprehensive health and wellness programs, flexible work arrangements, and a transparent communication culture. These practices have helped Google maintain high levels of employee engagement and satisfaction, even through periods of significant organizational change.

Another example is Microsoft, which underwent a major reorganization under CEO Satya Nadella. A key focus of this reorganization was a shift in corporate culture towards one of "learn-it-all" instead of "know-it-all," emphasizing growth, learning, and resilience. Microsoft's investment in leadership development and employee empowerment has been credited with driving its successful transformation and significant growth in market value.

In conclusion, maintaining employee well-being is a critical factor in the success of any reorganization effort. Organizations that prioritize the psychological safety, engagement, and development of their employees can not only navigate the challenges of change more effectively but also emerge stronger and more competitive. By adopting strategies such as transparent communication, providing support and resources, and engaging employees in the process, organizations can ensure that their reorganization efforts lead to positive outcomes for both the organization and its employees.

Best Practices in Reorganization

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Explore all of our best practices in: Reorganization

Reorganization Case Studies

For a practical understanding of Reorganization, take a look at these case studies.

Operational Excellence in Healthcare: A Restructuring Strategy for Regional Hospitals

Scenario: A regional hospital is undergoing restructuring to address a 20% increase in patient wait times and a 15% decrease in patient satisfaction scores, with the goal of achieving operational excellence in healthcare.

Read Full Case Study

Cloud Integration Strategy for IT Services Firm in North America

Scenario: A prominent IT services firm based in North America is at a crucial juncture requiring a strategic reorganization to address its stagnating growth and declining market share.

Read Full Case Study

Organizational Restructuring for a Global Technology Firm

Scenario: A global technology company has faced a period of rapid growth and expansion over the past five years, now employing tens of thousands of people across multiple continents.

Read Full Case Study

Turnaround Strategy for Telecom Operator in Competitive Landscape

Scenario: The organization, a regional telecom operator, is facing declining market share and profitability in an increasingly saturated and competitive environment.

Read Full Case Study

Restructuring for a Multi-Billion Dollar Technology Company

Scenario: A multinational technology company, with a diverse portfolio of products and services, is grappling with a bloated organizational structure and inefficiencies.

Read Full Case Study

Restructuring and Transformation Initiative for a High-Tech Electronics Manufacturer

Scenario: A multinational electronics manufacturer is grappling with declining profits, market share, and productivity due to outdated operational structures and processes.

Read Full Case Study

Explore all Flevy Management Case Studies

Related Questions

Here are our additional questions you may be interested in.

How is the rise of remote and hybrid work models impacting reorganization strategies?
The rise of remote and hybrid work models is reshaping reorganization strategies, necessitating changes in Organizational Structures, Talent Management, and Operational Efficiency and Innovation, guided by insights from leading consulting firms and market research. [Read full explanation]
How do you measure the success of a turnaround strategy, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) should companies focus on?
Success of a turnaround strategy is gauged through Financial, Operational, and Market-Driven KPIs like Revenue Growth, Profit Margins, Cash Flow, Inventory Turnover, Customer Satisfaction, and Market Share, aligning with strategic goals for sustainable growth. [Read full explanation]
What are the implications of insolvency proceedings on a company's operational continuity?
Insolvency proceedings disrupt an organization's Operational Continuity, necessitating shifts in Strategic Planning, impacting Stakeholder Relationships, and requiring comprehensive Operational and Financial Restructuring to mitigate negative effects and potentially emerge stronger. [Read full explanation]
How can companies ensure that reorganization efforts align with long-term sustainability goals?
Discover how Strategic Planning, Change Management, and Culture ensure reorganization aligns with Sustainability Goals, boosting resilience and competitiveness. [Read full explanation]
What impact do emerging technologies like AI and blockchain have on the efficiency and effectiveness of turnaround strategies?
Emerging technologies such as AI and Blockchain significantly enhance Turnaround Strategies by improving efficiency, effectiveness, and stakeholder trust, fundamentally changing corporate restructuring. [Read full explanation]
What impact do emerging global economic trends have on the strategies for corporate restructuring?
Emerging global economic trends necessitate organizations to restructure for Digital Transformation, Globalization, and Sustainability, ensuring resilience and long-term success in a dynamic economic landscape. [Read full explanation]

Source: Executive Q&A: Reorganization Questions, Flevy Management Insights, 2024


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