Given situation:
An international bank operating in Germany was faced with the task to integrate two call centers, one located in the western part and one in the far-out north-western part of Germany, into another, already existing call center. The closure of both operating sites involved approximately 500 employees, all of them received a take-over offer to continue work at the new location.
At this time some employees had not yet decided whether to stay with the bank or to look for a professional option outside, others had made up their mind to pursue their career externally. In this context, Mühlenhoff + Partner was requested to support the employees in their decision-making process, respectively to assist them in their job search.
M+P approach:
In a briefing session Mühlenhoff + Partner, together with the responsible people of the bank, informed the employees about the counselling proposal and the individual steps of the programme. Mühlenhoff’s project management quickly established a time schedule taking into consideration that ongoing operations would not be hindered by employee absence as well as ensuring special appointments for part-time employees.
In three day seminars the candidates were updated on all relevant aspects of a job search campaign under today’s requirements. In addition, our consultants assisted both in the preparation of attractive resumes and in establishing a sensible self-marketing strategy. Following the seminars, each candidate was given the opportunity to review his/her personal situation with a consultant in several private sessions and to receive coaching support for more complex problems as well as for adjusting ongoing campaign activities, thereby strengthening the individual’s confidence in all aspects of his/her professional reorientation including decision-taking on next steps.
Evaluation:
The employees expressed to the bank a high degree of satisfaction both with the course of counselling and the entire process, and they particularly appreciated the dedication and interest taken on their behalf. Along the same lines, the bank understood the candidates’ approval of the service as a major contribution towards the smooth and constructive progress throughout the entire change project.
The candidates also explicitly confirmed our approach which primarily had its focus on help towards helping oneself: Based on the knowledge of their own skills and shortcomings, they gained self-assurance and forward-thinking, they were able to formulate clearly their professional targets which, in turn, was supported by an individual application strategy together with attractive application documents.
