Integrating the Workforce After Mergers
Client Issue
After acquiring more than 40 local utility companies in North America, a global water utility company wanted to achieve $14.5 million in cost reductions through restructuring and staff reductions. In addition, they wanted to shift the cultures of the acquired utilities from insular and hierarchical to more market-focused and collaborative.
Since performance appraisal information was inconsistent and often unavailable, the parent company needed an objective assessment process that would:
- Help them make fair, legally defensible selection decisions
- Identify employees that best demonstrated the desired cultural competencies
- Bring strong project management capability to complement their internal team and complete the process within the tight timeframe
Solution
Solleva Group:
- Designed and administered an assessment process that was credible, legally defensible and which utilized multiple assessment methods.
- Facilitated the quick establishment of four assessment centers across the U.S. Over the course of two months, the team of consultants, managers and HR staff assessed nearly 700 individuals. They evaluated critical competencies for the job, technical skills, and work style against future performance criteria.
Results
The company’s project sponsor, a corporate director of organizational development, noted that the project was a success and said, “The project planning and management by Solleva was excellent. They not only helped us achieve our objectives, they helped us think differently about the process.”
As a result of Solleva Group’s team and process, the deadline was met and the company delivered a cost savings of $13 million in this first round of restructuring.
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