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What Is Organizational Downsizing?

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

Organizational downsizing is a move by a business to reduce costs and resource-use due to declining profits, re-organization of corporate structure, or a change in company operations. The downside of organizational downsizing is that it frequently relies on worker layoffs, salary and bonus reductions, and loss of amenities and perks for remaining workers. Done properly, however, organizational downsizing can lead to a revitalization of efficiency and a clarified vision and set of values for the future.

There are many reasons a company may decide to downsize its workforce or resources. One major reason is a decline in profits, sales, or a macro-economic shift leading to falling business. In order to survive on a long-term basis, a company may have to downsize in order to remain afloat in a diminished market. Merging with another company may also result in downsizing, as both businesses may have redundant jobs and even departments that will require layoffs and reductions in the new corporate makeup. Sometimes, a company will also embark on a program of organizational downsizing as part of a restructuring plan to increase efficiency, decrease costs, and commit to a new organizational strategy.

Layoffs are a common result of organizational downsizing.
Layoffs are a common result of organizational downsizing.

When an organization announces a plan to downsize, the workplace may develop a very different atmosphere overnight. People may rightly fear for the future of their jobs, and competitive behavior and even sabotage is not unheard of in these circumstances. Workers may feel betrayed by their executives, and feel resentful over the high salaries and bonuses going to company higher-ups while lower-end workers are being laid off. Nevertheless, downsizing can also be an opportunity for managers and workers to bond, forming a tight commitment to one another in an attempt to keep as many jobs as possible safe.

Organizational downsizing is a move by a business to reduce costs and resource-use due to declining profits.
Organizational downsizing is a move by a business to reduce costs and resource-use due to declining profits.

Some business experts suggest that companies can do a lot to ease the transitions caused by organizational downsizing through proper preparation. Offering severance packages, early retirement incentives, and job re-training programs can help laid off employees depart with some means of assistance. Companies can also help by creating programs to assist former employees with tax and insurance issues caused by losing their jobs. It may also help to ensure that the downsizing is company-wide, rather than focused on a specific department or level of employment; if the goal of downsizing is to eliminate inefficiency and waste, that goal may be better met by applying the standards to all levels of employment.

Some business experts suggest that companies can do a lot to ease the transitions caused by organizational downsizing through proper preparation.
Some business experts suggest that companies can do a lot to ease the transitions caused by organizational downsizing through proper preparation.

Organizational downsizing may also involve the reduction of workplace resources, as well as people. This may mean cutting down on amenities and employee programs, such as gym memberships, company cars, and cafeteria services. Employee services, such as health clinics, workshops, and educational assistance, may also be cut. Economizing throughout the business can help reduce waste, while at the same time potentially allowing the preservation of more jobs.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WiseGEEK writer.

Learn more...
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WiseGEEK writer.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Rotergirl

@Pippinwhite -- Tell me about it. And they say the economy is getting better. Can't prove it by me!

My company is so secretive. They won't tell anybody anything. We know the layoffs are coming, but we don't know where, or who. It would help if the top management would take a pay cut, but that's the case at how many struggling companies, and how often does it happen? Rarely.

Our company is family owned, and the current president has a lot of personal wealth. If he would forego a salary for one year, it would probably be enough to save every job at the company. He could afford it, believe me.

Pippinwhite

I'm sorry, but I can't see where downsizing has too many advantages, except to the company's bottom line. How do you downsize "properly"?

I work for a newspaper. I know it's not a thriving business these days, but we're working with a third of the news staff we used to have, and a copy desk that has half of its members part time. Add to that, they're putting together two papers instead of one. It's awful. Everyone's hours have been reduced and they're starting furloughs.

Believe me, this rat is looking for a way off the ship; I just can't seem to find the right boat to jump on to. Jobs are hard to find.

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    • Layoffs are a common result of organizational downsizing.
      By: Gang
      Layoffs are a common result of organizational downsizing.
    • Organizational downsizing is a move by a business to reduce costs and resource-use due to declining profits.
      By: sergey_p
      Organizational downsizing is a move by a business to reduce costs and resource-use due to declining profits.
    • Some business experts suggest that companies can do a lot to ease the transitions caused by organizational downsizing through proper preparation.
      By: Rido
      Some business experts suggest that companies can do a lot to ease the transitions caused by organizational downsizing through proper preparation.
    • Downsizing can increase the workload demands on remaining employees.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Downsizing can increase the workload demands on remaining employees.