Corporate restructuring is a particularly complex and intense process. It is a delicate balancing act in which the agendas and aspirations of the various parties involved deserve the right attention. Based on her extensive experience in managing corporate restructuring, An Lavrysen gives us a clear description of a number of crucial elements in the restructuring process as well as the added value that an external HR specialist can provide.

The present economic consequences of the severe health crisis are leading to many  negotiations between the social partners. Leadership and employee representatives should aim to get most out of these social negotiations in order to do what is best for their customers, their employees and their shareholders. Georges Vandenhove pleas for abandoning the old roads of conflict in social negotiations. He states that although social partners don’t necessarily need to agree on everything, it always takes two to tango.

The COVID pandemic has accelerated the need for a different type of leadership that is effective when disorder and uncertainty are the norm.  This ever-changing environment increases the demand on leaders to be grounded and catered from within, independent of an ambiguous, chaotic environment. Ann van de Perre emphasizes this growing need for authentic leadership where purpose is at the core.

Enabling beneficial and lasting transformation in today’s accelerated business environment requires sponsorship from the leadership team as well as sound project management. Furthermore, you need effective change management to cope with the people side of the transformation. Fabienne Cafmeyer places the role of the Human Resources Business Partners at the heart of this change process.