Abstracts » Human resources and labor relations

AT & T's soft sell: the right choice

Article Abstract:

Bell Atlantic was forced to change its employee benefits package after the breakup of AT & T; increased competition combined with restraints on rate increases required the company to cut its expenditures for employee benefits. At the same time, many employees already confused and anxious about the company's future were suspicious of any change in company policy. In order to communicate the new benefits program and bolster employee morale, employee newsletters on the subject of benefits took a low-key, 'just the facts' approach that explained the need for cost reductions and discussed the new employee benefits in dollars and cents. Throughout the planning process, the benefits managers and communicators used focus groups to get feedback on employee acceptance of the new plan.

Corporate reorganizations, American Telephone and Telegraph Co.

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A uniform approach at Hyatt

Article Abstract:

The organizational structure of the Hyatt Corp. gives a great deal of autonomy to the personnel managers at every Hyatt hotel. The personnel manager at each hotel is responsible for all employee communications, but because few personnel managers had experience in publishing, the quality of employee manuals and benefits handbooks was unsatisfactory. To remedy this problem while preserving local independence, Hyatt produced a handbook entitled 'A Common Sense Guide: Employee Print Communications'. An introduction to printing terms and technology, a sample employee manual and suggestions for employee newsletters are included in the handbook. The guide also contains camera-ready graphics that can be used in employee publications.

Hyatt Corp.

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Razor sharp clarity with the edge

Article Abstract:

MCorp., a bank holding company that was formed by the merger of two Texas banks, used a creative employee newsletter to communicate its benefits package to new employees. Titled The Edge, the magazine used pictures of and endorsements from real employees to promote company benefits, and adopted a conversational writing tone when explaining various company plans. Because of the humorous, lively style of the magazine, employees felt less intimidated by the complexity of insurance and retirement plans.

Banking industry, Bank holding companies, MCorp.

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