{"id":3866,"date":"2025-05-14T09:35:47","date_gmt":"2025-05-14T02:35:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/athenacorp.vn\/5-cau-chuyen-thanh-cong-sau-cat-giam-nhan-su-khi-thu-gon-de-tang-toc\/"},"modified":"2025-05-14T09:35:47","modified_gmt":"2025-05-14T02:35:47","slug":"5-cau-chuyen-thanh-cong-sau-cat-giam-nhan-su-khi-thu-gon-de-tang-toc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/athenacorp.vn\/en\/5-cau-chuyen-thanh-cong-sau-cat-giam-nhan-su-khi-thu-gon-de-tang-toc\/","title":{"rendered":"5 C\u00e2u chuy\u1ec7n th\u00e0nh c\u00f4ng sau c\u1eaft gi\u1ea3m nh\u00e2n s\u1ef1: Khi thu g\u1ecdn \u0111\u1ec3 t\u0103ng t\u1ed1c"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"\" data-start=\"274\" data-end=\"802\"><strong data-start=\"274\" data-end=\"294\">Workforce reduction<\/strong> has long been a difficult decision, often associated with loss, instability, and anxiety within organizations. However, in the bigger picture, many companies have weathered the storm and even emerged stronger after implementing this strategy in a scientific and well-directed manner. So, can <strong data-start=\"612\" data-end=\"632\">downsizing<\/strong> be seen as a step back in order to move forward further? This article will analyze five notable cases both domestically and internationally to draw practical lessons for business leaders.   <\/p>\n<hr class=\"\" data-start=\"804\" data-end=\"807\">\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"809\" data-end=\"880\"><span style=\"color: #333399;\"><strong>1. IBM \u2013 From a Conservative Giant to a Symbol of Technological Transformation<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"882\" data-end=\"1222\">In the early 1990s, IBM faced a severe crisis. Revenues plummeted, its outdated business model, and a cumbersome organizational structure made it impossible for the company to compete with emerging technology firms. Between 1993 and 1995, CEO Lou Gerstner made a historic decision: to <strong data-start=\"1147\" data-end=\"1167\">cut<\/strong> more than 60,000 employees \u2014 the largest workforce reduction at that time.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1224\" data-end=\"1521\">Alongside the <strong data-start=\"1243\" data-end=\"1263\">workforce reduction<\/strong>, he restructured the entire system, shifting the focus from hardware to IT services. As a result, IBM not only escaped the crisis but also became one of the world\u2019s leading technology solution providers throughout the following decade. <\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"1523\" data-end=\"1542\"><strong>Lesson Learned:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"1543\" data-end=\"1697\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1543\" data-end=\"1608\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1545\" data-end=\"1608\"><strong data-start=\"1545\" data-end=\"1565\">Workforce reduction<\/strong> must be accompanied by a clear repositioning strategy.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1609\" data-end=\"1697\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1611\" data-end=\"1697\">Decisive leadership and transparent internal communication help stabilize the organization after upheaval.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/profile.php?id=100063295354359\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3829 size-full lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/athenacorp.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/2-1.png\" alt=\"IBM\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" title=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/athenacorp.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/2-1.png 600w, https:\/\/athenacorp.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/2-1-300x200.png 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/400;\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<hr class=\"\" data-start=\"1699\" data-end=\"1702\">\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"1704\" data-end=\"1771\"><span style=\"color: #333399;\"><strong>2. Ford \u2013 When \u201cRedesigning the Organization\u201d Matters More Than Product Innovation<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1773\" data-end=\"2029\">In 2006, Ford was on the brink of bankruptcy. CEO Alan Mulally launched the \u201cOne Ford\u201d program, with a key focus on streamlining the global management structure. Over 30,000 employees left the company during the two-year <strong data-start=\"1994\" data-end=\"2014\">workforce reduction<\/strong> process.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2031\" data-end=\"2375\">In 2006, Ford was on the brink of bankruptcy. CEO Alan Mulally launched the \u201cOne Ford\u201d program, with a key focus on streamlining the global management structure. Over 30,000 employees left the company during the two-year workforce reduction process.  <\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"2377\" data-end=\"2396\"><strong>Lesson Learned:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"2397\" data-end=\"2549\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2397\" data-end=\"2481\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2399\" data-end=\"2481\"><strong data-start=\"2399\" data-end=\"2419\">Workforce reduction<\/strong> should not be the goal, but rather a tool to <a href=\"https:\/\/athenacorp.vn\/ai-va-bai-toan-2-mat-nhan-su-nen-di-hay-o-giai-phap\/\">optimize processes<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2482\" data-end=\"2549\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2484\" data-end=\"2549\">Investing in the remaining workforce is a vital factor after restructuring.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/athenacorp.vn\/?attachment_id=3831#main\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3831 size-full lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/athenacorp.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/3-1.png\" alt=\"Workforce reduction process\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" title=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/athenacorp.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/3-1.png 600w, https:\/\/athenacorp.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/3-1-300x200.png 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/400;\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<hr class=\"\" data-start=\"2551\" data-end=\"2554\">\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"2556\" data-end=\"2616\"><span style=\"color: #333399;\"><strong>3. FPT Software \u2013 Streamlining to Enhance Service Quality<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2618\" data-end=\"2949\">In Vietnam, FPT Software faced competitive pressure from regional rivals such as India and China in the software outsourcing industry. Between 2017 and 2019, the company <strong data-start=\"2803\" data-end=\"2823\">reduced its workforce<\/strong> by about 10% in some low-performing departments, while simultaneously increasing investment in automation and advanced skills training. <\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2951\" data-end=\"3132\">After streamlining its operations, FPT Software focused on developing high-value areas such as artificial intelligence and digital transformation, achieving double-digit growth for three consecutive years thereafter.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"3134\" data-end=\"3153\"><strong>Lesson Learned:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"3154\" data-end=\"3319\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3154\" data-end=\"3242\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3156\" data-end=\"3242\"><strong data-start=\"3156\" data-end=\"3176\">Reducing staff<\/strong> in outdated departments helps reallocate resources more effectively.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3243\" data-end=\"3319\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3245\" data-end=\"3319\">Leveraging the transformation period to retrain and upgrade internal capabilities.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr class=\"\" data-start=\"3321\" data-end=\"3324\">\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"3326\" data-end=\"3400\"><span style=\"color: #333399;\"><strong>4. Nokia \u2013 A Costly Lesson on Workforce Reduction Without Innovation<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3402\" data-end=\"3769\">Unlike the successful examples, Nokia is a typical case of <strong data-start=\"3472\" data-end=\"3492\">workforce reduction<\/strong> without a clear transformation strategy. After losing market share to Apple and Samsung, Nokia laid off tens of thousands of employees between 2009 and 2013. However, the lack of a new technology direction, coupled with frequent leadership changes, prevented the company from making a recovery.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3771\" data-end=\"3944\">Although Nokia later somewhat recovered by selling its device division to Microsoft, the once world-leading brand had missed its golden opportunity in the mobile era.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"3946\" data-end=\"3965\"><strong>Lesson Learned:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"3966\" data-end=\"4108\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3966\" data-end=\"4042\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3968\" data-end=\"4042\"><strong data-start=\"3968\" data-end=\"3988\">Workforce reduction<\/strong> is only effective when accompanied by a clear strategic vision.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4043\" data-end=\"4108\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4045\" data-end=\"4108\">Lack of innovation means merely delaying the inevitable collapse.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/athenacorp.vn\/?attachment_id=3833#main\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3833 size-full lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/athenacorp.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/4-1.png\" alt=\"Nokia \u2013 A Valuable Lesson on Workforce Reduction\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" title=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/athenacorp.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/4-1.png 600w, https:\/\/athenacorp.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/4-1-300x200.png 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/400;\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<hr class=\"\" data-start=\"4110\" data-end=\"4113\">\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"4115\" data-end=\"4171\"><span style=\"color: #333399;\"><strong>5. A Vietnamese Startup in the E-Commerce Sector<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4173\" data-end=\"4554\">During the Covid-19 period, a Vietnamese e-commerce startup (referred to as &#8220;X&#8221;) had nearly 300 employees but faced a revenue decline due to high operating costs and a shrinking market. The leadership boldly <strong data-start=\"4390\" data-end=\"4410\">reduced the workforce<\/strong> by over 30% in Q2 2020, while implementing a flexible (remote) working model, focusing on retaining strategic positions and the technology team. <\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4556\" data-end=\"4755\">By 2022, the company not only survived but also returned to growth thanks to a streamlined business model with low fixed costs. They attracted Series A investment from a major regional fund. <\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"4757\" data-end=\"4776\"><strong>Lesson Learned:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"4777\" data-end=\"4932\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4777\" data-end=\"4858\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4779\" data-end=\"4858\">Startups can view <strong data-start=\"4802\" data-end=\"4822\">workforce reduction<\/strong> as an opportunity to reinvent their core capabilities.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4859\" data-end=\"4932\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4861\" data-end=\"4932\">Flexibility in structure and operating models is key during a crisis.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr class=\"\" data-start=\"4934\" data-end=\"4937\">\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"4939\" data-end=\"5002\"><span style=\"color: #333399;\"><strong>Key Factors Determining Success or Failure in Workforce Reduction<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5004\" data-end=\"5173\">From the examples above, it is clear that not all <strong data-start=\"5066\" data-end=\"5086\">workforce reductions<\/strong> lead to positive outcomes. Success or failure depends on various factors: <\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"5175\" data-end=\"5198\"><strong>1. Clear Objectives<\/p>\n<p><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5199\" data-end=\"5379\">Businesses must clearly define the reason for <strong data-start=\"5234\" data-end=\"5254\">workforce reduction<\/strong>\u2014is it to cut costs, restructure, or drive innovation? The more specific the objective, the easier it is to manage actions and communicate them effectively. <\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"5381\" data-end=\"5417\"><strong>2. Transparent Internal Communication<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5418\" data-end=\"5570\">One of the biggest mistakes is withholding information or communicating unclearly. This can spread anxiety throughout the organization and negatively impact overall productivity. <\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"5572\" data-end=\"5604\"><strong>3. Data-Driven Decision Making<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5605\" data-end=\"5768\"><strong data-start=\"5610\" data-end=\"5630\">Workforce reduction<\/strong> should be based on clear criteria such as performance, strategic roles, and growth potential, rather than simply on rank or seniority.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"5770\" data-end=\"5798\"><strong>4. Post-Reduction Plan<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5799\" data-end=\"5920\">Businesses need to implement support programs for job transitions, retraining, or motivation for remaining employees to maintain stability.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5799\" data-end=\"5920\"><a href=\"https:\/\/athenacorp.vn\/?attachment_id=3835#main\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3835 size-full lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/athenacorp.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/5-1.png\" alt=\"The workforce reduction plan must be clear and well-defined.\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" title=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/athenacorp.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/5-1.png 600w, https:\/\/athenacorp.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/5-1-300x200.png 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/400;\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<hr class=\"\" data-start=\"5922\" data-end=\"5925\">\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"5927\" data-end=\"5987\"><span style=\"color: #333399;\"><strong>Conclusion: <a href=\"https:\/\/athenacorp.vn\/tu-van-tai-cau-truc-doanh-nghiep-athena-hai-phong-vn\/\">Workforce reduction is not the end\u2014it&#8217;s a new beginning.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5989\" data-end=\"6347\">In reality, <strong data-start=\"6007\" data-end=\"6027\">workforce reduction<\/strong> can be a necessary strategic decision on the path to sustainable development if executed correctly. Organizations like IBM, Ford, and FPT Software have proven that after the \u201cstorm\u201d comes an opportunity for rebirth. However, this requires careful consideration, strong change management skills, and long-term vision from leadership.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"6349\" data-end=\"6604\">In today\u2019s era of constant change, \u201cstreamlining to accelerate\u201d is no longer just a slogan but a survival strategy. <strong data-start=\"6463\" data-end=\"6483\">Workforce reduction<\/strong>\u2014when done right\u2014can be a springboard for businesses to transform, adapt, and achieve sustainable growth in the future.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Workforce reduction has long been a difficult decision, often associated with loss, instability, and anxiety within organizations. However, in the bigger picture, many companies have weathered the storm and even emerged stronger after implementing this strategy in a scientific and well-directed manner. So, can downsizing be seen as a step back in order to move [&#8230;]\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3828,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[115],"tags":[397,919,918,849],"class_list":["post-3866","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-restructuring","tag-business-restructuring","tag-change-management-en","tag-development-strategy","tag-workforce-reduction"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/athenacorp.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3866","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/athenacorp.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/athenacorp.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/athenacorp.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/athenacorp.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3866"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/athenacorp.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3866\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/athenacorp.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3828"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/athenacorp.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3866"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/athenacorp.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3866"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/athenacorp.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3866"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}