In times of economic uncertainty, restructuring and realignment are often unavoidable. But how can companies make this sustainable?

Sustainable restructuring does not just mean reducing short-term costs, but also adapting business models and structures so that they remain resilient and adaptable in the long term. Employees of the STRIM companies support clients in planning realignments holistically – with an eye on economic, social and ecological factor. We then accompany transformations and actively shape the new structure. This creates a solid basis for long-term success and sustainability.

Realignments have a significant impact on the HR strategy and the measures that can be derived from it. This often means downsizing, reorganizing teams or adapting the corporate structure in order to be able to act more flexibly and efficiently.

How does this fit with the STRIM values?

  • Innovation: Restructuring or realignment usually requires new, innovative approaches to redesign the business model and/or processes. Companies need to challenge traditional ways of thinking and find new ways to regain competitiveness.
  • Excellence: During the restructuring phase, the quality of strategic decisions and their implementation must be excellent in order to get the company back on track. Each decision is carefully analyzed to find the most suitable path for the respective company.
  • Evidence: Evidence-based decision-making is crucial in order to base necessary measures on sound data and analysis. This ensures that the planned measures not only solve short-term problems but are also sustainable in the long term.
  • Teamwork: Teamwork is especially important during transformation and restructuring. Employees must work together to support the transformation process. Managers and HR work closely together to ensure that the company not only survives but also emerges from the crisis stronger than before.

How can a sustainable realignment or restructuring be achieved?

When strategically realigning a company, all three dimensions of sustainability – economic, environmental and social – are considered holistically and aligned with each other. The following levers are to be applied:

1. Economic dimension:

  • Cost efficiency: Optimizing cost structures to ensure competitiveness and guarantee economic stability.
  • Growth strategies: Diversifying business models to open up new markets or business areas.
  • Financial resilience: Improving liquidity and minimizing risk through integrated risk management.
  • Sustainable investments: Shifting towards investments that bring long-term economic success, often through technologies or business models that take environmental and social values ​​into account.

2. Environmental dimension:

  • Resource efficiency: Reducing energy consumption, water consumption and use of raw materials through optimized processes..
  • Circular economy: Introducing measures to minimize waste and reuse or recycle materials.
  • Reducing the carbon footprint: Adjusting production methods and transportation processes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Sustainable procurement: Introducing guidelines to ensure that sustainability standards are met along the value chain.

In a survey by the German Federal Network Agency, 90 percent of the companies surveyed stated that they had no plans to realign their company to achieve environmental sustainability.

3. Social dimension:

  • Job security: Ensuring fair working conditions and preserving as many jobs as possible, even in times of restructuring.
  • Employee development: Promoting professional development and upskilling employees in line with strategically necessary skills to prepare them for future requirements.
  • Inclusion and diversity: Introducing measures to promote a diverse and inclusive corporate culture.
  • Social responsibility: Commitment to social projects and support for communities in which the company operates.

Holistic restructuring combines these three dimensions to create a sustainable, future-proof company that is not only economically successful, but also acts in an ecologically responsible and socially just manner.