Management Memo – Marine Enterprises
You tasked me with developing the corporate relocation plan and to prepare for (initially) presenting Phase 1 to the workforce. I now have that part of the plan completed and ready for presentation and I’m confident that it will be accepted by the great majority of our employees, notwithstanding the anticipated instinctive initial reluctance by some staff, who as you know are almost all lifelong New York residents. I feel sure that if we present the plan properly and professionally, all but a small minority will see that the benefits of coming with us to Houston outweigh any downside for them as individuals.
As far as relocating the Company HQ itself, you are already aware that the arrangements for the first phase have been planned to the last detail and we’re now ready to go as soon as we “press the button”. Any further delay in publicizing our plans is unnecessary and increases the risk of leaks that could so easily start rumors that may affect morale.
As far as the presentation to our staff is concerned, this clearly is crucial to retaining most of our workforce, so I have burned much midnight oil to perfect this part of the Phase 1 relocation plan, in addition to our regular brainstorming sessions. I think we’re now as ready as we’ll ever be to make the big announcement. As we agreed, I’ve scheduled the news to be broken simultaneously to all employees at each of our three present HQ locations, avoiding the possibility of incorrect information being passed around by word of mouth if each location is dealt with at different times.
That strategy will also reduce the likelihood of negative elements in the workforce collaborating to undermine our persuasive efforts.
Clearly we will emphasize the potential benefits of staying with Marine Enterprises and coming with us to Houston, but take into account and be prepared for objections that are likely to surface when the announcements are made. To that end the presentation will open with the artist’s impression of the new Houston HQ building projected on a huge screen in each of the three conference rooms, but intentionally with no caption. Then opening proceedings by announcing to the assembled staff: “Ladies and Gentleman – our new HQ building! – brand new, purpose-built and architect-designed – a state of the art environment, surrounded by green fields. It will accommodate all of us – no more working from three different locations!”
After allowing a few seconds for the audience to absorb that information, we will then go straight on with telling them that the HQ will be in Houston, and launch right in to the benefits on offer: the $3,000 relocation expenses; assistance in finding housing and in selling their present homes; helping spouses to find new jobs and kids to find new schools. Also to underline that each person who relocates with us will have at least as good a job there – maybe better. This will also be the time to refer to the likely benefits of living in Houston: the better weather; better schools; lower costs of living and low crime rate and the strong real estate market there. Finally, to assure all present that for anyone who decides to remain in New York, the Company will provide job location assistance.
At this point we will throw the meetings open for questions. I recommend we have glossy handouts printed (I have proofs for you to review and approve, Chris) which are designed to answer most of the questions, including potential objections.
In the handouts we cover not only all the benefits, but also our counter arguments to the likely objections/reservations, such as: that Houston is a smaller city with little or no public transportation; its relatively limited access by air; less entertainment & sports than in NY; the distance from existing family & friends and the considerable personal costs of the relocation. I think this whole strategy will help make the relocation not only smooth but acceptable to the great majority of our employees.
