Katriina Tahka
December 10, 2024
Uncategorized

Navigating Organisational Restructuring with a Human-Centred Approach

As Australian organisations adapt to evolving market conditions, restructuring is increasingly becoming a strategic necessity. Whether driven by economic shifts, technological advancements, or the need to boost operational efficiency, restructuring demands meticulous planning and a respectful approach. At A-HA, we champion a human-centred strategy to ensure that every step of the process is executed with empathy and precision.

Strategic Planning: Setting a Strong Foundation for Change

Before embarking on any major change initiative, start by reassessing your business strategy and workforce plans. Effective restructuring isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution; it requires customisation, iterations, and flexibility before engaging with your team.

Engage and Consult: Take Your Teams on the Journey with You

Restructuring is more than just a compliance exercise—it’s about bringing your people along. By prioritising engagement and understanding, you lay the groundwork for trust, acceptance, and genuine buy-in.

Transparent Communication
Openness is non-negotiable. Regularly share updates about the restructuring and the rationale behind key decisions. Explain the steps you’ve taken to prevent unnecessary disruption. Consistent, honest communication calms anxieties and fosters trust.

Inclusive Consultation
Listen first. Use surveys, town halls, or focus groups to involve employees and capture their feedback. When employees feel heard, they’re more likely to embrace change and contribute valuable insights.

Support Systems
Demonstrate genuine care. Offer resources like counselling, career transition support, and financial guidance. By prioritising employee well-being, you can soften the impact of restructuring and boost overall morale.

Workforce Planning: Balancing Immediate Needs with Long-Term Goals

It’s tempting to make quick fixes when under financial strain, but a thoughtful, future-focused workforce plan can save you time and money—and inspire greater employee engagement.

  • Assess Current Workforce
    Conduct a detailed analysis of your team’s skills and capabilities. Identify critical roles and pinpoint areas that need restructuring, redefinition, or redeployment.
  • Future Skills Requirements
    Think ahead. What skills will your business need in the future? Invest in upskilling or reskilling your people to fill these emerging gaps.
  • Strategic Hiring
    Even during restructuring, strategic hiring might be necessary. Focus on roles that align with your future vision and consider flexible arrangements like fractional roles for specialised tasks.

Leadership Matters: Guiding with Empathy and Purpose

We’ve all seen the fallout from poor leadership during organisational change. A human-centred approach isn’t just kind; it’s essential. Leaders must be prepared to support, inspire, and engage their teams.

  • Lead with Empathy
    Understand that restructuring is deeply personal. Be visible, approachable, and compassionate. Acknowledge the emotional toll and offer genuine support.
  • Consistent Messaging
    Avoid confusion. Make sure every leader delivers the same key messages. Consistency maintains trust and clarity, ensuring your people feel informed and respected.
  • Training and Development
    Equip your leaders. Provide coaching on how to navigate difficult conversations with sensitivity. Skilled, empathetic leadership is crucial to a smooth transition.

Post-Restructuring: Supporting Your People for Sustainable Success

Change doesn’t end when the restructuring is complete. For your organisation to thrive, consider the long-term impact on your workforce.

  • Plan for Team Dynamics
    Address potential feelings of grief or guilt among remaining employees. Assess workloads and actively engage your team in identifying continuous improvement opportunities.
  • Monitor and Evaluate
    Keep a pulse on your organisation’s performance and employee sentiment. Regularly review metrics and be ready to make necessary adjustments.
  • Celebrate Successes
    Small wins matter. Acknowledge milestones to help rebuild morale and foster a sense of unity.
  • Maintain a Feedback Loop
    Keep listening. An open feedback channel allows you to understand how employees are coping and highlights areas for improvement in future transitions.

Real-World Impact: A-HA’s Human-Centred Approach in Action

Recently, a small business approached A-HA for guidance on navigating a reorganisation. Facing compliance requirements and workforce challenges, we partnered with them to design and implement changes using our human-centred methodology. We facilitated ongoing consultations, ensuring legislative needs were met and employee concerns were addressed.

The result? A tailored approach that built trust and confidence among the workforce. We didn’t stop there—our support continued post-restructure, with engagement sessions that reinforced the behavioural and cultural changes necessary for sustained success. By prioritising people, we helped the business not only survive but thrive.

Your Trusted Partner for Organisational Change

At A-HA, we’re more than HR experts; we’re your partners in building a resilient, human-friendly workplace. We understand the complexities and emotional weight of restructuring and are here to guide you at every stage. Together, we’ll create HR processes that drive efficiency, ensure compliance, and put people at the forefront of your strategy.

Ready to transform your approach to organisational change? Let’s talk.

Confidential consultation

We offer an initial, confidential appointment tailored to address your questions and guide you in the right direction, whether you're embarking on a new HR journey or seeking expert advice and guidance on complex workplace issues.

This allows us to learn about your business goals and objectives; and for you to get to know our team and how we can support you to achieve those goals.

Our sessions are designed to:

  • understand your specific questions, covering your current situation, potential challenges in culture, behaviour, performance, diversity or inclusion, and any other concerns you may have.
  • Collaboratively assess your current landscape and outline actionable steps towards meaningful change, providing assurance and support along the way.
  • Most importantly establish a foundation for working together. We want you to feel confident that we are the right HR partner for you, because this is your business’ future you are about to invest in, so we need to get it right. 

We look forward to meeting you.

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A-HA connects business and people in order to realise genuine value and worth. We have pioneered a new type of agency which revolutionises the human resource industry through our people, products and insight.

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