The Challenge

A global petroleum company’s decision to consolidate all of its nine Chicago-suburban office locations - from prime addresses around a key location to a more remote site in Warrenville, Illinois - created feelings of anger and frustration among the involved employees. Adding fuel to the fire was the fact that most workers would be giving up very spacious, private offices for open work spaces at the new location.

To ensure a successful move, the company determined that an 18-month information campaign was needed. It had two purposes:

• educate and inform all concerned about the features and benefits of the new location
• mitigate the feelings of ill-will for an action that was going to be inevitable

What We Did

A logo and look was created for all materials. Of critical importance was that the materials not appear expensive or glitzy in any case (so as not to incur additional employee anger over spending money).

Two kits were created – one for management to explain the move and one for all involved employees. Among the kit materials: a very detailed map – created to demonstrate that the location wasn’t as remote as people thought; as well as detailed Q & A; phone numbers of people to call for more specific information.

In addition, a quarterly news bulletin was published to provide updates to all involved for the entire eighteen month span prior to the actual move. The bulletins offered educational tidbits about working in an open environment, as well as did an effect job of “cheerleading”.

The Outcome

The move was accomplished with a minimum of internal unrest. In fact, many employees looked forward to the new offices.