CASE STUDY: WORKPLACE CULTURE RESTORED WITH HR OUTSOURCING
The Challenge
The client was experiencing a change in leadership and was grappling with workplace instability. A new CEO had recently taken over amidst key employee departures which created anxiety and unease among the remaining staff. A toxic work culture had been left behind by the previous administration, particularly affecting female employees and those in administrative roles.
Reports of inequitable treatment, gender bias, and unsustainable workloads further fueled the need for intervention. The absence of a formal HR presence exacerbated the situation, leaving employees unsure of how to report workplace issues or voice concerns.
In response to these challenges, the client undertook a workplace culture assessment to gain insights into the existing environment and gauge employee satisfaction. The findings highlighted significant areas of concern:
A toxic atmosphere, particularly impacting female staff
Lack of professional respect for administrative employees, with some being asked to perform demeaning tasks
Perceived gender bias and inequity in the bonus structure
Disruptive behavior from one key employee, with little to no accountability
A new CEO seen by some as a micromanager, contributing to a mixed response to the leadership change
A general sense of unequal treatment and lack of process for reporting grievances
Through a recommendation, the client reached out to HRG to assist in resolving these workplace issues and restoring a positive, productive environment. HRG was tasked with assessing the workplace, implementing strategic solutions, and providing ongoing support to transform the company’s culture.
The Solution: HR Outsourcing
The initial workplace culture assessment and employee engagement survey confirmed that there were problems, but HRG took it a step further by conducting assessments that identified the root causes of the issues. In highlighting the sources of the problems, HRG could prescribe and implement solutions uniquely tailored to the underlying issues. The findings from the comprehensive assessment helped shape a detailed action plan aimed at addressing key concerns and rebuilding trust within the workforce.
Short-Term
The first step was to create a dedicated HR presence within the company, offering both a physical and emotional touchpoint for employees. HRG introduced several immediate changes, addressing low-hanging fruit such as offering drinks and snacks to improve morale, developing clear job descriptions, and rolling out a structured performance evaluation process with mid-year feedback sessions.
HRG also overhauled the company’s employee handbook and provided comprehensive training on newly updated policies, ensuring all employees were aware of workplace expectations.
Long Term
From here, a series of more strategic initiatives were implemented, including:
One-on-one meetings between managers and employees to improve communication
Quarterly one-on-ones between the CEO and staff to foster transparency
A complete compensation analysis and a revamped bonus structure
Introduction of a formal ethics reporting system via a whistleblower hotline
DISC assessments and workshops to improve team dynamics and individual development
Over the following year, HRG conducted additional engagement surveys to gauge improvement and identify areas for continued focus. This iterative process allowed for continuous enhancement of the workplace environment and sustained progress.
As with any organizational shift, some employees were initially resistant to change, particularly regarding the new CEO’s leadership style and the introduction of HR oversight. The firm had gone through numerous transitions between 2022 and 2024, leading to concerns about the rapid pace of change. However, HRG’s thoughtful, incremental approach helped mitigate these concerns by building trust over time.
The Outcome
HRG’s involvement enabled the client to cultivate a healthier, more equitable workplace, fostering an environment where employees feel valued, heard, and motivated. The changes initiated by HRG led to significant improvements in the company’s culture. By summer 2023, employee feedback showed a dramatic shift in satisfaction, with positive results across all key areas. The 2024 engagement survey demonstrated even higher satisfaction levels, cementing HRG’s success in transforming the workplace.
HRG’s recommendation for the client to engage a senior HR partner on an ongoing basis provided leadership with continued strategic support, ensuring the company’s long-term success. This senior HR consultant, as a member of HRG’s expert team, operates remotely and works on-site with the client quarterly. The HRG consultant now guides the firm on HR best practices, legal compliance, performance management, and staff development, while also providing coaching and mentorship to leadership.
Start a Conversation with an HRG Consultant
Navigating HR can be complex, but we like to make it as simple as possible for you. Whether you are confident you need outsourcing or you are unsure where you need help, it all starts with a conversation. Schedule a call with one of our HRG consultants, and they will take it from there