EMCC European Monitoring Centre on Change

Restructuring is a pervasive feature of market economies. Data from Eurofound’s European Working Conditions Survey (2015) shows that around one third of employees reported restructuring or downsizing as having occurred in their work establishment in the preceding three years. No matter how prevalent restructuring is in the working life of many, it involves change in the workplace in one way or another and for most this is a stressful experience. The most recent Eurofound’s ERM report shows that restructuring and downsizing can take a heavy toll on employees. Both restructuring and downsizing are associated with higher level of work intensity, exposure to adverse social behaviour and lower levels of satisfaction with working conditions. On a more reassuring note, as shown in Eurofound study, there are some positives that can come out of restructuring. What makes the difference is the way the process of change is managed and communicated to employees. The fear of change and disruption can be partly dispelled if employees feel empowered, given the opportunity to adjust to change (through training for example), kept in the loop when restructuring is taking place and involved in the decision making process. 

• Publication: ERM report 2018: Impact of restructuring on working conditions