Harriet begins a restructuring process and proposes cutting two full-time roles. During consultation, long-time employee Beth suggests she retires, as she’s now in her early 60s.
This would leave Harriet without her trusted bookings manager. It’s a role Harriet needs to retain, and Beth is someone she and her staff are reluctant to lose.
Harriet invites Beth to a conversation to explore other options. Does she really want to stop work?
Harriet listens as Beth talks about loving her job but feeling she should make way for her younger co-workers.
Harriet asks if she’s thought about other options. Beth wonders about reducing her hours. If this happens, she wants to help train someone to fill in when she’s not at work.
When talking with other staff, Harriet learns most of her people want to change their hours. Some are also interested in taking on new responsibilities.
Harriet comes up with a new plan.
She can keep all eight employees on reduced hours. Harriet also asks Beth to coach a co-worker keen to move into bookings.