Essence Consulting

Tailored programs and services to improve your employees’ engagement.

We offer a range of consulting services in the areas of:

• Career management
• Learning and development planning
• Change and transition management
• Team development

We have a strong track record in developing and tailoring workshop programs to organisational needs. The following is a current example of our work. Details of the client organisation are withheld, for reasons of confidentiality.

Example: Provision of change support and transition management programs and services, during a major ongoing organisational realignment.

Our involvement included:

• Meeting with HR staff to familiarise with the current Enterprise Bargaining Agreement, and its implications for affected staff, as well as existing realignment policies, procedures and processes
• Collaborating with HR staff to update and further develop existing online programs to support affected staff
• Developing tailored program outlines in consultation with HR staff, including a process of negotiating program length and content to fit with tight budget constraints and organisational imperatives
• Working closely with HR staff to plan and manage the roll out of the services, including mechanisms for promoting the services to business unit managers
• Developing and delivering group programs in two phases: prior to business unit realignment, and following team changes
• Delivering one-on-one coaching support to managers and staff who were experiencing difficulties with the change process

Features of our services included:

• incorporation of current policy, and a “reality check” for participants regarding what can and can’t happen
• opportunities for participants to “vent” their feelings regarding the effects of the change, and to feel they are understood
• strong focus throughout all service delivery on the participants themselves, and their needs
• deliberate focus on turning participants thoughts to a more positive frame
• recognition that participants themselves will benefit by continuing to focus on business needs and achieving good results

These services received unsolicited praise and thanks from people at all levels of the organisation, including at Executive level. Participants, and those managing affected staff, voiced their opinion that the sessions offered were realistic, engaging, and very helpful.

A quote from manager who requested the services for a large business unit:
“Overall my feedback continues to be that the services are greatly needed and appreciated by staff and that they are organised with the best customer focus and respect for people I have seen.”

Our consultants subscribe to a philosophy of :

• working collaboratively and in partnership with clients
• customising and tailoring services and outcomes to meet the client context
• ensuring client ownership of outcomes
• establishing and supporting processes for ongoing internal management of workplace changes or interventions, to ensure sustainability