A University Department Head contacted WorkMatters as they were concerned regarding the low morale of staff in one of their work groups.  Informal discussions between management and staff indicated that there were concerns regarding inappropriate behaviours by a senior manager and dissatisfaction with the proposed restructure that they felt had been forced on them.

WorkMatters initially conducted a Team Assessment which involved individual interviews with staff.  Information provided identified a number of issues including concerns regarding the behaviour of the manager and the previous restructure which had left staff aggrieved and dissatisfied.

A staged and tailored approach was applied to address the issues of staff which included individual meetings with staff in addition to a one day retreat facilitated by WorkMatters and which addressed a number of key areas including:

• Options for a new restructure and process
• Appreciation of work styles and differences
• Communication styles
• Conflict management Styles
• Introduction to Team Management profiles (TMP) as part of fourth stage of process
• Standard work practices

One of the stages of the process included the formation of a representative consultative committee to consider options for the restructure.  The consultative committee was facilitated by WorkMatters over a five week period resulting in their recommendations being provided to and accepted by management.

Feedback from management since the interventions has indicated that there has been a major shift in the attitudes of staff, a positive change in the workplace culture and an increase in staff morale and group dynamics.  Anecdotal feedback provided to WorkMatters by individual staff indicates that they are now more aware of how they each communicate with each other and are more tolerant of differences.  Interestingly staff ratified the previous structure proposed by management as opposed to moving to a new one, but indicated they were highly satisfied with the opportunity to be involved in the process.