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personnel transformation for automotive supplier Brose.

Published Date

client
Brose is a global automotive supplier with several locations in Germany. The company employs staff with a wide range of qualifications, from line workers to managers. The people affected ranged from entry-level employees to experienced managers.


goals
The aim was to reduce 225 jobs at one location in southern Germany in a socially responsible manner while avoiding compulsory redundancies. The internal task was therefore to find a fair, transparent and supportive solution for all affected employees.


solution
Randstad RiseSmart was commissioned to support this staff reduction, initially as part of the “Future Brose” project (2021-2023). The aim was to create individual career prospects for the employees by establishing and managing transfer companies (TG) as well as supplementary measures such as communication, coaching and outplacement. The challenge was not only the operational implementation, but also the trusting cooperation with HR, the works council and the group works council.


key figures
- Project duration: 2 years (2021-2023)
- Placement rate: 89%
- HR and works council satisfaction: 100%


the challenge: an evolving enviroment

In 2021, the prestigious automotive supplier Brose was faced with the challenge of repositioning itself in a market environment characterized by profound change. The global upheaval in the automotive industry, combined with declining demand (particularly in China) and high cost pressure, made structural adjustments unavoidable. In order to avoid compulsory redundancies as much as possible, a comprehensive package of measures was developed and implemented in close and constructive cooperation with the works council and the HR department.

the solution: professional reorientation within the framework of a transfer company

In order to ease risk and challenges associated with staff reduction, an integrated support concept was developed and individually tailored to the needs of the employees and the organization:

  • Established of a total of 20 operationally independent units (beE) over the course of the project
  • Managed training on change conversations to strengthen internal communication in transformation processes
  • Developed communication materials: landing page, intranet, brochures
  • Provided communication measures: hotlines
  • Coordinated monthly information events and individual coaching sessions
  • Provided intensive onsite support for maintaining relationships with HR and works councils

Transfer companies: The program established and managed 20 beEs with monthly entry waves and terms of 6 to 12 months. It focused on providing seamless support from day one, compliant implementation and continuous coaching.

Management development: The solution provided training sessions on how to “Lead change conversations” to strengthen internal communication in transformation processes.

Communication & transparency: The use of a comprehensive communication package (landing page, intranet, a hotline and brochures) provided employees with targeted information about options and next steps.

Individual support: Monthly information events were tailored to participants‘ qualifications and personal goals.

Relationship management: Close and continuous onsite presence made it possible to build stable relationships with HR, local works councils and group representatives. This trust was essential for the smooth implementation and recommendation within the group of companies.

the results: 100% internal stakeholder satisfaction

Outstanding results were achieved thanks to the personal presence, targeted communication and in-depth networking within the client organization. The program achieved a placement rate of 89% for affected talent and a 100% satisfaction rate among internal stakeholders.

This basis for success formed the basis for renewed cooperation in 2024, which was made possible by the successful differentiation from a local competitor. There are also prospects for further projects at additional locations with a workforce of around 300 employees. This successful implementation has enabled Randstad RiseSmart to consolidate its position as a
long-term and strategic partner for Brose in transformation processes.

“ ... as part of the negotiations on the restructuring measures in 2024 and 2025, we have succeeded in setting up a transfer company, among other things. This instrument for socially responsible job cuts already proved its
worth in the 'Future Brose' program in 2021. With Randstad RiseSmart, we have the same partner on board who has already successfully supported us in the past.” — chairman of the works council on the new project