Public Courses
Workforce Reset: Smart Strategies to Slash Costs, Not Morale
Workforce Reset: Smart Strategies to Slash Costs, Not Morale
This program provides HR leaders and decision-makers with a strategic, legally compliant framework for reducing manpower costs without compromising organizational integrity or employee well-being. Participants will learn when and how to implement cost-saving measures, navigate compliance challenges, and execute workforce changes seamlessly while minimizing risk and maintaining trust.
Course objective
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Identify appropriate cost-reduction strategies for different business scenarios
- Apply legal requirements and best practices to avoid compliance pitfalls
- Communicate and implement changes effectively to maintain morale
- Calculate severance, pay adjustments, and manage documentation accurately
- Support workforce mental health during transitions
MODULES
1. Lay-Offs - Understanding the Basics
- What is a lay-off and how does it differ from redundancy?
- Regulation 5 of the Employment (Termination & Lay -Off) Benefits Regulations 1980 – Is it still relevant?
- When lay-offs are appropriate – The Viking Askim case
- Why lay-offs remain unpopular and how to address concerns
2. Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS)
- Are VSS programs still relevant today?
- Why the shift from VSS to Mutual Separation Agreements (MSA)?
- Modernizing the traditional VSS for todayʼs workforce
3.Redundancies – The A to Z for HR Managers
- Changing perceptions: Building a culture that understands job security realities
- Why MSAs dominate despite limitations – Is fear the driver?
- LIFO, FIFO, and Selection Matrix Criteria – Decoding the rationale
- Redundancy vs Closure vs Transfer – Key distinctions
- Case studies: Consistency or confusion?
- Execution Essentials:
- Rationale for redundancy
- Selection criteria and documentation
- Pre-retrenchment steps & paperwork
- Leveraging EAP and managing mental health
- Post-retrenchment dos and donʼts
- Calculating severance packages accurately
4.Pay Cuts - A Strategic Alternative
- When pay cuts can make a meaningful impact
- The Upside-Down Pyramid Method and its role in obtaining consent
- Communication strategies for success
- Is consent mandatory? Implementing pay cuts amid dissent
- Step-by-step implementation guide
5. Shorter Work Week
- Cost impact and viability as a cost-saving measure
- Salary adjustments for reduced workdays
- Practical steps to encourage consent
- Salary computation and JTK notification requirements
6. Forced Leave / Shutdowns
- Legal considerations and judicial perspectives
- Importance of clear policy frameworks
- Annual leave vs unpaid leave; full pay vs partial pay – Whatʼs fair?
Bonus Module: Future-Proofing Workforce Cost Management
- Impact of automation and AI on manpower planning
- Remote work and hybrid models – Cost implications
- Preparing for gig economy trends
Workforce Reset: Smart Strategies to Slash Costs, Not Morale
This program provides HR leaders and decision-makers with a strategic, legally compliant framework for reducing manpower costs without compromising organizational integrity or employee well-being. Participants will learn when and how to implement cost-saving measures, navigate compliance challenges, and execute workforce changes seamlessly while minimizing risk and maintaining trust.
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