Question

You are the President/CEO of ABC Industries, Inc.. Due to your company’s declining performance, you are forced into a merger with your largest competitor, XYZ Industries, Inc. Your competitor has agreed to allow 80% of the workforce to stay, however, performance reviews will be mandated to assess employee value. Draft a memo explaining this scenario to your 150+ employees. The format of your memo tells your employees a lot about your sensitivity and professionalism. Since you know that 20% of your workforce will be laid off, it is important that the empathy feels genuine and heartfelt. Pay particular attention to your memo’s margins, line spacing, font type and size, and placement of memo parts such as the addressees, subject line, and body. Address the memo to all home office employees at your company. Recommended Organization Header: Begin your memo with the four standard memo heads (Date, To, From, Subject). Body/Discussion: In the first paragraph of the body include your reasons for the decision. Memos do not begin with greetings or salutations. Fully explain why the change is occurring and what the current situation is. The second paragraph is where you add a positive spin to the situation. This is where you should outline the proposed merger and the process by which employees will be evaluated. Think of other important elements employees may want to know such as timeline, severance packages, etc. In the third paragraph, be sure to validate any anticipated concerns employees may have about this adjustment. Explain the greater benefit in the long-term this decision provides and conclude your memo by indicating how the reader may contact you if he/she has any questions

Answer 1

INTERNAL MEMO  

TO:                  All Home Office Employees of ABC Industries, Inc.

FROM:            President/CEO of ABC Industries, Inc.

(Name)

DATE: 4th October, 2020.

SUBJECT: A merger with XYZ industries in which 80% of the workforce will be retained.

I regret to tell you that due to our company’s declining performance. We have been forced to merge with XYZ Industries, Inc our biggest competitor. The official date of the merger will be 4th July, 2015.

However, the competitor will retain 80% of the workforce. The criterion to be used for the employees that will be retained will be based on annual employee’s performance index. Our company’s Employee Vetting Committee will do the vetting. There will be a severance package for employees whom will be unfortunate to leave the company. However, the exact details of severance package will be communicated.

A merger was the only way the company could have managed to stay afloat. When the company recovers and have a need to increase workforce. The employees who will leave us will be the first to be considered for reemployment. For any questions or concerns please write a letter addressed to the Human Resource Manager.

Best

(Name)