Change is possibly one of the biggest challenges HR must face – but the HR team at Merck, Sharp & Dohm were forced to manage the biggest change that could have hit: the closure of their Australian manufacturing site and the loss of jobs.
The company recognised that consistent and accessible communication between employees and management, including a focus on face-to-face meetings rather than emails, would be critical.
Feedback from increased communication showed that employees wanted variety from their remaining time at Merck, and staff were given the opportunity to rotate between different areas of the site, as well as undertake short term assignments and projects in order to eliminate boredom and increase motivation.
Merck used its open door communication policy to benefit both the staff and the business.
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