27
Nov 10

Letters and Memos for Training Announcements, Selections And Confirmations

Please Find the Tips and Example Letters for Announcing Training, Courses and Seminars with details of nomination, venue & schedule.

Tips: Training Announcements, Selections And Confirmations

Guidelines

  • Be sure to direct the correct message to the correct audience. If the memo is a confirmation, highlight the instructions and details upfront.
  • Distinguish between the needs and interests of your two primary audiences–participants and supervisors of participants. Supervisors will be most interested in the course objectives and results promised. Participants will have additional interests, such as preparation required, methods of instruction, and details of confirming and attending.
  • Give all details of the training program (dates, hours, locations) in all correspondence rather than “parcelling them out” when you think readers need to know–a few in the course brochure, a few in the course-scheduling announcement, and finally a few in the confirmation memo. On occasion, participants’ attendance depends on their ability to schedule flights and end other meetings and projects within a limited timeframe. From the start, give them all the details that may affect their registration.
  • Highlight course objectives in announcements. Never take for granted that supervisors have a knowledge of the course–even if it has been offered before–and never assume supervisors pass on these course objectives to participants they nominate for training.
  • Establish the credibility of the instructor. Course effectiveness in most cases depends on the authority and skill of the instructor. Both participants and their supervisors deserve to know who will be leading the learning effort.
  • Mention the intended audience–if not already obvious from the memo’s distribution list or course description. Is the course most helpful to midmanagement people, entry-level employees, those with 10 years experience or more, or those who handle certain kinds of tasks?
  • Be firm about expected preparation.




Example 1: Training plan for employee

Memorandum

TO:

FROM:

DATE:

SUBJECT: Fire-Safety Training

You are asked to attend one session of a fire-safety training program to be held in the second-floor conference room on July 15, 16, and 17.

Because seating in the conference room is limited, please call Mary Paxton at extension 2668 if you must arrange to attend a session other than the one designated below:

Traffic Control 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., July 15

Security 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., July 16

Maintenance 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., July 17

The emphasis of this year’s meeting is safety in high-rise buildings, with a discussion of special safety features in the Merrimac Tower. Mike Spartan will conduct this mandatory training for all employees.

Example 2: Letter to selection of employees for training program

Memorandum

TO:

FROM:

DATE:

SUBJECT: Course Offering– “Effective Presentations”

The Training Department is offering a new two-day seminar, “Effective Presentations,” scheduled May 5-6, 19–, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. both days. If you would like members of your staff to attend, please submit their names in writing or by phone (ext. 4471) by April 15.

This course is open to all employees and would be particularly helpful to those who make upper-management presentations.

Participants in the workshop will–

• develop additional knowledge in planning, researching, organizing, and presenting information to a group;
• learn the mechanics of and helpful hints in using easels, flip charts, viewgraphs, 35mm slides, and handouts;
• gain insight into techniques of persuasion;
• identify ways to use group feedback.

Each attendee will receive a notebook of materials as a later reference for planning, preparing, and delivering presentations.

“Effective Presentations” will be conducted by Ida Flowers, a consultant with Emitz Consulting Group. She has had 10 years of experience in the field and comes highly recommended by other clients such as Grayco Corporation, International DataCorp, and Porterfield-Waggoner.

Her course outline, with her methods explained, is attached. Please note participants will be given adequate class time to practice the skills taught.

We have confidence this consultant-led seminar will deliver the results it promises.



Example 3: Employee training confirmation letters

Memorandum

TO:

FROM:

DATE:

SUBJECT: Scheduling and Confirmation of Communication Skills Workshop

You have been selected to attend the Communication Skills Workshop, February 7-11, at Houston headquarters offices, conference room C-123. Please call to confirm your reservation by February 1. If I do not hear from you, I will assume you have had a change of plans since your supervisor nominated you, and I will assign another employee to the workshop in your place.

So the program can be tailored to meet your individual needs, please bring with you at least three writing samples. You will critique and rework these in class. Additionally, please read the enclosed booklet and prepare a case study from your on-the-job experience; complete instructions for the case study are given in the booklet. Please do not attend the class unless you have completed this pre-workshop assignment.

This workshop focuses on both oral and written communication skills, both of which you will have the opportunity to practice during the week. Objectives include the following:

• Identify barriers to effective communication and examine causes
• Assess personal attitudes toward supervisory communication skills
• Explore feedback–what it is, what it is not, how to give and receive it
• Improve clarity of written materials• Condense length of written materials
• Develop organizational techniques for both verbal and written communications

The workshop will meet Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You must attend all five sessions to receive training credit.

Feel free to call our staff instructor, Margaret Anderson (ext. 3999), with questions regarding your preparation, her workshop objectives and methods, or scheduling arrangements. Ms. Anderson has been presenting this course for the past six years; evaluations from participants continue to rate the course “excellent.”

Example 4: Training seminar program for employee

Memorandum

TO:

FROM:

DATE:

SUBJECT: Call for Nominations—Effective Sales Seminar

We are seeking nominations from regional sales directors for salespeople to attend the Effective Sales Seminar in Atlanta, Georgia, May 9-13. We would like to receive two nominations from each regional director by March 1, as we are able to accept two salespeople from each region.

The seminar is designed to strengthen selling techniques, by breaking down a sale into six components and studying approaches to each. The primary focus is the following:

• The initial contact. Telephone or letter sales techniques and etiquette.

• The initial meeting. Gaining the prospective customer’s confidence and establishing a common ground.

• Assessing the customers’ needs.

• Introducing the product. Focusing on how we can fill the customers’ needs

• Negotiating price.

• The contract phase.

Although all salespeople are eligible for nomination, the seminar would be of most help to your most promising new salespeople. New staff members will be the most receptive to the seminar’s emphasis on setting goals and developing good habits.

The seminar lasts from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. Each participant will be videotaped during a mock sales exercise and then analyzed. They will be asked to reflect upon their strengths and weaknesses, developing a specific set of goals tailored to their situation.

Geraldine Wright, author of Sold! Techniques for Effective Salespeople are conducting the seminar. She was the top salesperson at Marker Filbin for eight years before she embarked on a career as an author and consultant. Geraldine has trained sales staff at Snyder Technologies and IBC World Inc.

Please fax your nominations to Mark Trieger at (284)555-2894.



Example 5: Workshop announcement letters

Memorandum

TO:

FROM:

DATE:

SUBJECT: Vehicle Safety Workshop

All drivers are asked to attend a vehicle safety workshop on Wednesday, October 30 from 9:00 a.m. to noon in the conference room. The workshop will review general driving safety policies, with an emphasis on winter driving techniques. We want everyone to be sharp for the coming winter.

The driver training instructor who may have trained many of you, John Brink, will conduct the workshop. John is a 10-year veteran of the postal service and driver training instructor in the Detroit area. He will be showing a video entitled “How to Handle Hazards on the Road,” followed by a discussion of postal service rules, and a live training exercise in the north parking lot.

If you are unable to attend the workshop, please call Joyce Fitzpatrick at Ext. 9003. If there is sufficient need, we will schedule a make-up workshop in early November.

Example 6: Memorandum regarding staff training

Memorandum

TO:

FROM:

DATE:

SUBJECT: National Libraries Association Tech Seminar

You have been nominated by your director to attend the National Libraries Association Tech Seminar, taking place April 19-21 at the Allen Lakes Convention Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

The Tech Seminar is designed to educate librarians on the new technological advances in library circulation, administration, and multimedia materials. We will focus not only on the operation of this technology but budgeting and purchasing considerations. After the seminar, participants should be qualified to advise their colleagues on the viability and proper use of the newest technologies available.

Attached is a schedule of sessions and information about instructors. Industry reps will also be on hand to answer your questions. Please R.S.V.P. to Noah Wexler by March 5. Julie Nebbins at the Allen Lakes Convention Center Visitors’ Bureau would be happy to help with hotel and travel arrangements. Her number is (330)892-7284.



Example 7: Training program for employee

Memorandum

TO:

FROM:

DATE:

SUBJECT: Assimilation Classes

As we approach our expansion in South Korea, many of you are preparing to move overseas. We want to help you make the transition smoother by offering assimilation classes. The classes will take place June 20-29 at Whitewood Campground in Slippery Rock, Ohio, and August 14-31 at the Friendship Conference Center in Seoul, South Korea.

Classes are intensive introductions to Korean culture, etiquette, and survival skills, as well as the Korean language.

We will send a Korean language textbook, language instruction tapes, and a syllabus to those attending. You will be required to complete three weeks of independent language study before classes begin on June 20.

Classes are open to executives transferring to our Seoul division. We encourage all executives to attend both sessions in their entirety. Executives based in the United States who anticipate doing business with our South Korea division are welcome to attend the Slippery Rock classes. Individuals are responsible for their own travel arrangements. Accommodations will be provided by Whitewood Campground and Friendship Conference Center.

Please notify Charlie McNamara at 555-0250 if you wish to register for classes. We will not be able to accept any reservations after May 1.

Both sessions will be led by Norman Reutzer, professor of Korean culture at the University of Ohio, and Ester Chung, company relations director of the Seoul division. Executives and employees from Seoul will attend portions of each session to give insight into the Korean business culture and offer relocation suggestions.

Example 8: Administrative training announcement

Memorandum

TO:

FROM:

DATE:

SUBJECT:

A meeting to train administrative assistants to use the new database software is scheduled for January 5 at 10:00 a.m., in the boardroom.

Participants will learn how to add and retrieve files from the FileMaster Pro 4.0 database. We will also cover how to convert old Computech 2.1 files to the new system.

All administrative assistants are expected to attend. If you cannot, contact Lewis Rossman to make alternate arrangements.

The training will be led by Alice Dunbrowski, a computer consultant from Office Solutions. Alice installed the program on our computers and uses it to manage her own files.



Example 9: Trainings memos

Memorandum

TO:

FROM:

DATE:

SUBJECT: Product Update Meetings for Retail Sales Associates

Product update meetings for all retail sales associates will be held on Monday and Tuesday, January 11 and 12 at the corporate headquarters at 115 Marsh Blvd. The meetings will introduce associates to the spring clothing line. The meetings are 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. daily. A complimentary full American breakfast will be served, and associates will be paid for those hours.

Attendance is mandatory at both sessions. Please come prepared to take notes! We will be giving information about fabrics, sizes, colours, prices, and designs for the entire spring line. This is information you will be expected to convey to customers.

Old Creek Mall store managers, Julie Herman and Alex Sebastian will be discussing the women’s line on the 11th. Heather McKimm, Westerville’s store manager, will discuss the men’s line on the 12th.

Example 10: Trainings

Memorandum

TO:

FROM:

DATE:

SUBJECT: Training Session—Federal Drug Dispensing Guidelines

We have scheduled meetings to update nurses and nurses’ aides on the recent revisions to federal drug dispensing guidelines.

Those attending must attend outside of shift hours. Meetings are scheduled for the following times:

Thursday, August 12, 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m., Room 218

Friday, August 13, 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m., Room 218

Monday, August 16, 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Room 218

Tuesday, August 17, 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Room 218

Attendance at one of the meetings is mandatory for all those who are certified or are seeking certification to dispense drugs to patients. Enclosed is a packet of material that participants must read before the meeting.

Florence Jolliet, our legal advisor, will conduct the meetings with Dr. Frank Wonderchek, director of paediatrics. Florence is an expert in health care laws and pending legislation affecting medical care providers. Dr Wonderchek is on the board that supervises the purchasing and dispensing of pharmaceuticals for the hospital.


25
Nov 10

Of New Policy/Procedure












Guidelines : Of New Policy/Procedure

Announcing New Policies or Procedures to Employees

Guidelines and Alternate Phrases

  • Summarize the new policy or procedure immediately without getting bogged down in minute details. Include effective dates.
  • Beginning October 1, we will implement a new procedure for shipping library materials to our field training sites. All orders for videos, periodicals, audio series, or other packaged courses must be placed through Jan Graves. After you phone her (ext. 3456) or drop her a note with your order, she will ship your materials to you within 24 hours.
  • Effective immediately, we will stop charging entry fees for the activities provided at the Hayen and Bostonian entertainment centers. All activities at these sites will be completely free to employees and their guests.
  • The board of directors of the Poppercorn Bureau has adopted a resolution to suspend funding of the Poppercorn Bureau and Affiliates’ pension plan as of January 19–. The old plan will be replaced by a money-purchase defined contribution plan.
  • We have finalized plans to computerize all payroll deductions for both hourly and salaried employees. The current pay period will not be affected; rather, all of these changes will go into effect March 15.
  • Effective with our February tours, an LLC representative will meet each group of clients as they begin their tours and will complete a checklist of details to ensure their security and ours while they are on the grounds.
  • Use a positive, upbeat tone (rather than a scolding tone) that makes readers feel as though the change is to their benefit or at least to the benefit of the employees as a whole. Giving adequate explanations goes a long way in helping employees accept changes.
  • This system is currently being used by only 15 percent of our customer base, and the expense of the extra handling negates any profit on these orders.
  • While some of you have enjoyed the convenience of…, we think the added value of…will more than compensate for the extra time required to….
  • Although these new guidelines will not apply to every situation, they will address the majority of your concerns about trades, including client proprietary information, discrepancies in order amounts, and breakage reimbursements.
  • We think after you’ve had time to use the new system, you’ll agree we can offer a much superior service to our customers. And after all, they are our bosses.
  • We know this procedure generates more paperwork, and that takes time. But we also are confident this closer scrutiny of expenses will help us cut production costs in the long run. And, of course, profitability affects all our salaries and benefits.
  • There may be some confusion in the interim period, but we think the changes will be well worth any initial frustration with the learning curve.
  • Address the most obvious concerns with specific details. Then give readers a source for questions that will arise about exceptional situations.
  • Of course, you will have questions about the new commission rates. We’ve provided an attached listing of….
  • The specifications for the new equipment sound restrictive and costly. In fact, they are not. In the chart below, I’ve compared….
  • You may have questions about your benefits, your rights, and even the advantages of staying in such a business partnership. We have prepared a list of key people with their addresses and phone numbers so you can direct your questions to the most knowledgeable source. They are expecting you to call and will be glad to calculate for you….
  • Let us answer your questions fully. Rather than talking to your fellow employees, family members, and other community leaders who may or may not have all the facts of this situation, we encourage you to direct your questions to two top authorities in this field. We have Dr. Tony Gordon and Dr. Marian Harmtle on retainer for the next three months to offer telephone advice and other assistance, as necessary.
  • Express appreciation for their cooperation.
  • You have always been so careful in implementing new procedures we have no concern that you will have difficulty with this ruling.
  • Thank you for your usual cooperative spirit.
  • Thank you for helping us help our customers.
  • We appreciate your willingness to try new ideas we hope will save us all time and money.
  • Once again, we are depending on your willing cooperation on the front lines. You are the ones who make us look good to our customers.
  • With careful attention to detail and a willingness to improve in every phase of our operation, together we can turn this company around.
  • We appreciate your willingness to make changes whenever we receive valuable feedback about how we can run our business more efficiently.
  • Thank you for taking the time to learn this new procedure. We think it’ll make your job easier.
  • Thank you for accepting this new policy as a necessary step in growing a business.
  • With special care and a can-do attitude, we can make the difference in this year’s bottom line.
  • We think this new procedure is just what the doctor ordered for this new product line. Go make your customers well and happy.
  • Thank you for your help in making this work.

Example 1: Example letters for new policies

Memorandum

TO: To All Employees

FROM:

DATE:

SUBJECT: New Parking Arrangement

On March 1, all employees with a Firestone building access card will be eligible to park in the Hyson parking garage after normal working hours. The cost will be only $1 per entrance, billed directly to the company rather than to you as individual employees. Simply turn in your parking tickets to Charon Jones so we may verify accurate billing from the parking garage.

This new parking arrangement covers the following hours:

5:30 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday

5:30 p.m. Friday to 7:00 a.m. Monday

We want to remind you also that access cards are to be used only by employees, not guests or family members visiting after hours. Please cooperate with the building guards if they ask anyone entering the building with you after hours for their identification badges.

We are happy to have been able to work out this parking arrangement for those of you working late and on the weekends. Thank you for helping us with the security and billing issues. If any of you have questions about the security provided, please contact the guard on duty (ext. 3456).

Example 2: Company procedures and policies

Company Name or Letterhead
Address
City, State Zip

Date

Addressee
Address
City, State Zip

To the Men and Women of AT&T:

In January 1990, we will begin to offer you one of the nation’s most comprehensive benefit packages supporting work and family matters. The agreement we signed in May with the Communications Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers broke new ground. Many believe the scope and variety of the initiatives in our Work and Family Program will set new standards for corporate America.

Providing benefits that are responsive to the needs of employees and their families is a tradition at AT&T. The Work and Family Program not only continues that tradition but recognizes the changes in American families that are affecting our lives.

Today many children are living with parents who both work. Many adults are caring for elderly parents. If you face these conditions, you know how tough it is at times to balance work and family. The purpose of this program is simple. We want to make it easier for you to meet your obligations both at AT&T and in your life outside of the workplace.

This booklet describes each of the 10 initiatives that comprise the Work and Family Program. I hope all of you will read it carefully. Even if you don’t have a personal need for the support they provide, they will no doubt apply to your co-workers, your boss, or someone you supervise.

The way we address the family concerns of AT&T people is an important issue for all of us–a competitive issue. Not only will these initiatives benefit you, but they will also benefit our customers and, ultimately, those who invest in our business. The Work and Family Program is an important investment in the future. These initiatives will help us attract and keep the talented workforce we need to win in the marketplace, and they will help all of us maintain a healthy balance between our work and families, so we can concentrate on giving our customers the best we have to offer.

Sincerely,

Bob Allen

Note: Reprinted with permission by courtesy of AT&T.

Example 3: New procedures

Memorandum

TO:

FROM:

DATE:

SUBJECT: Volunteer Program at St. Sebastian’s Children’s Hospital—Paid Leave

Beginning October first, we will offer all employees one day paid leave per month to volunteer with our corporate charity partner, St. Sebastian’s Children’s Hospital.

Contact our community projects coordinator, Peg Van Dorn, to find out about volunteer opportunities at the hospital. Peg will serve as your liaison with the hospital, registering you with the hospital, placing you in a volunteer assignment, and giving you the proper form for your supervisor’s approval.

We think this program will help the children of Philadelphia and give Freedman Enterprises a more visible presence in the community. For those of you who have always meant to volunteer but haven’t quite gotten around to it, we hope this program provides the incentive you need.

Example 4: New policies procedures

Memorandum

TO:

FROM:

DATE:

SUBJECT: Annual Safety Week, June 14–19

June 14–19 is Annual Safety Week at the refinery. It is a time for us to reflect on what we could have done better this year and work on improvements. We have planned a series of safety seminars as well as a couple of surprises—emergency safety drills—throughout the week.

The following is a schedule of seminars:

Monday June 14—Emergency Safety Procedures:
9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.—Building B, Room 200
Mandatory for all employees

Tuesday June 15—Chemical Storage and Handling:
3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.— Building B, Room 218
Mandatory for laboratory technicians

Wednesday June 16-—Pressure and Heat Gauge Safety:
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.— Building A, Main floor
Mandatory for loaders, machine operators, machine technicians

Thursday June 17—Reviewing 1997 Safety Records:
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.—Building B, Room 218
Mandatory for all supervisors and foremen

Friday June 18—Fire and Spill Safety Review:
3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.—Building B, Room 218
Mandatory for all supervisors and foremen

Accidents this year are down 25 percent from last year. That is an improvement. However, none of us will be satisfied until we are accident-free. Thank you all in advance for taking time out of your busy schedules to re-focus our attention on safety.

Example 5: New policy letter for company

Memorandum

TO:

FROM:

DATE:

SUBJECT: Copy Machine and Supply Closet Log Books

On Monday, log books will be placed at the copy machine and the supply closet. When you use the copy machine mark the date, time, number of copies made, who the copies were made for, and your name. If you take supplies from the supply closet mark the date, materials taken, who they are for, and your name.

We appreciate your cooperation in using the log books consistently. Once we have a record of where our inter-office resources are going, there will be less chance that we place wasteful or insufficient orders.

Example 6: New policy

Memorandum

TO:

FROM:

DATE:

SUBJECT: Spouses Invited to Annual Convention in Palm Springs

We are pleased to make this year’s convention a family affair.

The spouses of those employees going to our annual convention in February are invited to attend. In the past, the attendance of husbands and wives was cost prohibitive. Because of our growth this year and a special arrangement with Palm Hotel, we are pleased to cover air fare and hotel expenses for spouses.

If your spouse plans to attend, notify Jerry Richards before December 20 so he can make reservations under our special rates at Palm Hotel.

Example 7: Sample letters for changing the new plans & procedures

Memorandum

TO:

FROM:

DATE:

SUBJECT: Reserve Parking Lot Area for Customers

We will reserve the first two rows of parking spaces at the west entrance for customers only. This policy will take effect on Monday.

Leaving these parking spaces clear is just part of our effort to provide the best customer service possible. Ultimately, we are the ones who reap the benefits of having happy customers.

Thanks for your cooperation.

Example 8: Notify employees of a new policy

Memorandum

TO:

FROM:

DATE:

SUBJECT: Access to Samples and Promotional Materials

It has been reported that some employees are taking product samples and t-shirts for personal use. We are instituting the following policy in order to ensure the effective use of samples and promotional materials. They are designed to solicit and maintain clients’ business. I am sure that’s a goal we all support.

Effective March 30, only sales representatives will be allowed to distribute free samples and promotional materials. Others who wish to distribute such items must receive written authorization from Sarah McMillan, promotional director.

Example 9: Memos for new policy for employees

Memorandum

TO:

FROM:

DATE:

SUBJECT: Direct Deposit of Paychecks

We are pleased to offer a direct deposit pay option starting the first week of August. Employees who choose direct deposit will have their bank accounts automatically credited with their salary each Friday. Instead of receiving a check in your mailbox, you will receive a deposit slip.

If you would like to be paid by direct deposit, Beverly will give you a form asking for your name, address, the name of you bank, your account number, and account type.

Example 10: New policy inform to employee

Memorandum

TO:

FROM:

DATE:

SUBJECT: On-Line Book and Document Requests—Trial Period

On September first, we will begin a two-week trial period of an on-line book and document request system from the law library. During this trial period you are encouraged to make library requests via the Web site created by Dave Kreeger at the retrieval desk. The address is http://www.librequest.org/hogan&pavlanski.

When you go to Dave’s site you will fill-out an electronic order form similar to the paper order forms the library currently uses. Dave will respond via e-mail when the item you requested is ready to pick-up.

Although you can still go to the library and fill out a paper request form during the trial period if you choose, we hope to transfer to an all electronic system by the beginning of October. This system will help us better monitor our library transactions.


25
Nov 10

Of Mergers Acquisitions/Restructuring






Guidelines : Of Mergers Acquisitions/Restructuring

Announcing Mergers, Acquisitions, or Restructuring

Guidelines and Alternate Phrases

  • Announce the merger, acquisition, or restructuring up front.
  • The many rumors you have heard do have some basis in fact–we are pleased to announce that….
  • We have learned today an agreement has been reached for Farmington investors to acquire the stock of Bledson International. Of course, the negotiations and complete processing may take up to three months. In the interim period, we anticipate operating as we do currently; no changes in management have been discussed or approved.
  • Today Universal and Harrington Uptown have reached an agreement to merge and restructure their organizations so both can devote time, resources, and expertise to what they know best in the _____ industry.
  • This week Fullerton, Inc. will begin a major restructuring effort to decentralize our operations and push decision-making lower in the organization. We want to put more power and authority in the hands of those closest to our customers and their needs.
  • Bozell, Inc., has charted a new course through the murky economic waters of the industry downturn. Effective October 1, we will begin to put into effect a restructuring plan that will help us eliminate duplication of efforts in our field operations while preserving the autonomy of individual regions.
  • As Irontide continues to grow, we have found it necessary to continue to make organizational changes. These changes are beneficial for all our employees because we have opened new opportunities for advancement.
  • Address immediate questions employees will have in their mind, such as those about layoffs or new openings, benefits, share values, or market position.
  • I’m sure the question in most minds is that of layoffs. Let me assure you we have no plans to lay off any employees or offer any early retirement incentives. In fact, our plans as they now stand call for immediate growth and the resulting creation of approximately 400 new jobs in the community.
  • Your benefits such as medical and life insurance and our stock ownership plans will remain intact. We anticipate no changes in coverage or costs as a result of this agreement.
  • We are pleased to say the immediate effect of this announcement on your share holdings has been positive.
  • Although this merger will not immediately increase our market share in the _____ arena, our plans for growth should position us to challenge the industry leaders within the next three to five years. We are pleased to say we now have a goal, and we have a plan.
  • Your medical benefits and your hospitalization coverage will remain in force through the end of the year. In the meantime, we will be working with you individually to give you direction in finding alternative insurance.
  • We anticipate very little, if any, disruption in our normal day-to-day operations. You will report to the division directors, who will report to the same regional directors. The only visible change evident immediately will be….
  • This acquisition will, of course, dictate significant restructuring of our marketing division. I’ve outlined below the major reporting changes….
  • Please rest assured your jobs will in no way be affected.
  • Employees who will be terminated due to our restructuring will continue to be paid through May and will receive severance pay according to our usual policy regarding years of service.
  • Our Human Resources office will provide out-placement assistance, including résumé preparation, interview techniques, and aptitude testing.
  • Promise to provide other details as soon as they become available.
  • Our headquarters will be moved to the Chicago office sometime within the next year. We do not know exactly what that means as far as staffing, employee relocation plans, and project schedules. However, as soon as we complete our studies and make these decisions, we will keep you informed.
  • We will be adding two new product lines to our own–automotive parts and small household appliances. Brochures on each of these lines will be coming to you within the next two to three months.
  • Let readers know where they can direct other questions about changes.
  • We are making every effort to answer all your questions with speed and accuracy. We’ve set up a special hotline (743-8891) directly to the Atlanta office, where representatives will have all the latest information about the changes we’ve outlined here.
  • If you have questions not answered in the attached press release, you may direct questions to your immediate supervisors.
  • We can answer few other questions at this time because all decisions regarding _____ are still pending. Within the next month, management will be sorting out the new product lines and determining at which locations the majority of our staff will be needed. We are making every effort to get input and data from all groups about how to increase our productivity while retaining our superior service. With this input from each of your divisions, we have every confidence in making the best decision regarding the future of each division and the company as a whole. Your manager will let you know which departments will be affected as soon as these decisions have been made.
  • We will continue to update you with details of this decision as soon as we ourselves learn of further plans.
  • Be optimistic in tone.
  • Rumor has it most of our employees are quite eager to complete the final transactions that will make us the largest retailer in the state.
  • Keep up the good work. There’s a bright future ahead.
  • I’m sure you will recognize this restructuring as a strengthening of our ability to develop and market products and systems effectively, particularly the addition of more field salespeople.
  • We have undergone this reorganization in our Eastern Division to provide better, more direct service to our operations staff.
  • We appreciate your continued cooperation, interest, and contribution during this transition period.
  • Thank you for your patience in this transition period.
  • We have every confidence you will finally agree this decision was the only sensible one in light of today’s economy.
  • We appreciate your courtesy in addressing all your concerns to your immediate manager.
  • We look forward to a promising future.
  • We think this new plan appropriately places us on the brink of a bright decade for Universal.
  • Thank you for your hard work and past loyalty. This new direction offers an even more promising horizon.
  • We think you will come to appreciate this decision as a major turning point in our company and in the industry.
  • We look forward to increased profitability for all concerned.
  • We’re glad you’re on board for this promising new future.

Example 1: Sample announcements letters of mergers

Company Name or Letterhead
Address
City, State Zip

Date

Addressee
Address
City, State Zip

Dear Hosack Employees:

Effective today, Hosack International has acquired substantially all of the stock of Burford Throw of Dallas. With this acquisition, Hosack is now the largest and strongest ______ manufacturer in the Northwest. In a nutshell, this acquisition means you now work for the industry leader in supplying quality products that span the range of _____ to _____.

Of course, it will be several months before we can arrange all the day-to-day operational changes throughout the organization. As you have questions about job openings, benefits, or insurance coverage, please direct them through the normal channels. Please be patient with us in getting the right answer to you.

We also want you to be part of this exciting opportunity to work out creative solutions to our sudden growth and expanded opportunity. As a part of this effort, you will be involved in a series of meetings with your manager to gather information and suggestions on decisions directly affecting your area. Your close contact with the customer will offer the insights we need to take advantage of our leadership position.

We look forward to your help with our operational plans for growth. All of us have an exciting future around the corner.

Sincerely,

Example 2: Announcing mergers letters

Company Name or Letterhead
Address
City, State Zip

Date

Addressee
Address
City, State Zip

To All Employees of Irontide:

Today Grafton, Inc. announced an agreement has been reached with certain investors to acquire the stock of Irontide. This agreement is subject to several conditions that must be met before the acquisition is final, and this negotiation process may require up to five months. Until this agreement is final, there will be no organizational changes within our company.

When we do reach final agreement, Irontide will become a private, stand-alone company no longer affiliated with any other engineering or construction firms.

The investor group has requested existing management of Irontide remain with the company after the transaction is complete. Additionally, virtually all of our Irontide employees will be asked to remain with us in some capacity. Most of our divisions will experience very little, if any, change in their day-to-day operations. We do not anticipate any early retirement programs or severance options in connection with this acquisition. We also expect all benefits to remain as they now are.

The next few weeks will be busy, exciting, and challenging ones. Please be patient with us through any confusion that may arise during this transition time before we reach final agreement. We will keep you informed of all the events and plans as we learn of them ourselves.

Sincerely,

Example 3: Company merger letter

Company Name or Letterhead
Address
City, State Zip

Date

Addressee
Address
City, State Zip

Dear Fellow Employees:

We are in the process of making a number of changes in our worldwide manufacturing operations that will require us to establish an after-tax profit reserve of about $555,000,000.

As you can imagine, this decision to establish a restructuring reserve has been given thorough and deliberate consideration by the company’s management. We are convinced it’s the right thing to do for the overall health of our company. As a result of this reserve, we can become more cost competitive and continue to bring innovative products to our customers.

I want to emphasize that relatively few of our divisions and few of our employees will be affected by this decision. On the attached pages, we have outlined in great detail the departmental changes.

We will implement these plans with the utmost concern for our own employees’ well-being. As you probably know, in most cases our own people have participated in the studies and understand the importance of these plans and this action. At the few sites where our studies are still incomplete, we will continue to listen to our own staff and work closely with them, keeping you informed every step of the way.

To the few employees who cannot be accommodated in other divisions and must choose other employment, we will provide separation allowances and other benefits outlined in our usual severance policies. Finally, we pledge those leaving the company every reasonable assistance in finding suitable employment.

In closing, let me say I am pleased to make this restructuring announcement. We have a fine company–a company with people who have the highest values and interest for their colleagues. I’m confident you will come to share my enthusiasm for this decision.

Yours truly,

Example 4: Acquisitions and mergers

Company Name or Letterhead
Address
City, State Zip

Date

Addressee
Address
City, State Zip

To the Burford-Hymil Organization:

Our company officials and those of Freeman Inc. announced today an agreement has been reached on the merger of our two companies, to be effective May 9. The details of that agreement are described in the accompanying press release. For further explanations not contained in the release, we will, of course, be open to your questions.

I simply want to tell you how pleased I am about this merger. Freeman Inc. is a fine company, a company with values and people similar to our own. In the future, as you come in contact with these new members of the Burford-Hymil organization, I’m confident you will come to share my great enthusiasm for this relationship.

Sincerely,