Employee response to major organizational redesign

A number of health care organizations are currently undergoing major organizational redesign. Despite these efforts, little is known about how these changes are affecting the employees participating in the redesign process. In response to this, a study was undertaken to determine the perceived impact of organizational redesign on nursing staff at 2 acute care hospitals that were undergoing major organizational change. Data were collected through semi-structured focus group interviews conducted on all 3 shifts (days, evenings, and nights). Findings suggest the early redesign period is highly turbulent and difficult for staff. Nurses expressed concern over changes in roles and responsibilities, disruption in work group relationships, loss of resource availability, reduction in quality of care, and alterations in physical and psychological state.