The Practical Handbook: Leadership in Transformation
Successful job reduction with integrity and responsibility
Practical Handbook
Leadership in transformation
Successful job reduction with integrity and responsibility
Vahlen, 2026
Many companies today have to cut jobs – for cost reasons or because digitalization and AI are changing job profiles. This practical handbook shows how restructuring can be carried out responsibly, protecting corporate culture and employer brand, retaining top performers, and strengthening companies sustainably. Scientific findings, data analyses, and our experience from numerous restructuring projects provide a sound basis and concrete practical tips.
Comprehensive benchmark study: Restructuring as a basis
A key basis for the book is a comprehensive benchmark study on restructuring. A total of 254 companies of all sizes and sectors in Germany that had implemented job reduction programs in the previous three years participated in the study at the end of 2025.
The detailed study by Restart Career, DGFP, and BCG identifies success factors, highlights proven approaches, and thus provides companies with concrete guidance for future restructuring projects. The most surprising finding: 77% of all companies undergoing restructuring filled new positions simultaneously or shortly thereafter.
Numerous interviews and guest articles from the field
This book clearly outlines what executives and HR managers truly need to know: from strategic planning and fair termination discussions to effective voluntary redundancy programs and severance packages that foster acceptance. The book unflinchingly examines how survivor syndrome paralyzes those who remain, why employee retention is crucial for future viability, especially during crises, and what role the works council can play as a partner.
Concrete tools for building resilience and corporate culture make the difference between an organization that recovers and one that gradually erodes. The practical implementation tips are based on more than 30 interviews with experienced practitioners as well as practical contributions from the authors.
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