The hidden costs of restructuring: How workload on existing staff can impact your business

As businesses navigate changes in structure, the focus is often on operational efficiency and aligning teams with new strategic goals. However, a crucial aspect that’s often overlooked is the impact of restructuring on existing staff.

In a recent poll conducted on LinkedIn by our contracting team, 55% of respondents including business owners and hiring managers identified "increased workload on existing staff" as the biggest challenge during a team restructure.

The end of the year is approaching, a time where many organisations face heightened pressure and project deadlines. When working through a team restructure, especially this time of the year, it’s essential to consider the hidden costs that overburdening your team can bring.

Contracting solutions offer a flexible, practical approach to support your core team to continue to drive business continuity during this transitional period.

Here are 4 reasons why exploring contracting solutions eases workload, ensures you protect your team’s wellbeing, and eases the pressure off yourself so you can focus on the importance.

1. Supporting your team through the shift

Restructuring is a big decision and a significant shift for any organisation. But – restructuring also presents a unique opportunity to build resilience and cohesion within your existing team.

By providing additional support by hiring a contractor quickly and with the right skillset, you can help your core staff stay focused on their strengths and primary responsibilities, ensuring they continue to succeed. When your team feels equipped and supported, they’re more likely to embrace new challenges with energy and enthusiasm, maintaining high standards and driving positive outcomes for the business.

Kristan De Sousa, Six Degrees' National Contracting Director to share her market insights:

"2024 has been a year of doing more with less with many restructures, however the cost of turnover can soon erode any savings made throughout the year. We are seeing a rise in short term support to ensure teams are protected to kickstart 2025."

2. Flexible, cost-effective support

Do you need someone to start immediately just to fill the stop gap and ensure the workload isn’t dumped on your staff? One of the most significant benefits of contracting solutions during restructuring is the flexibility to bring in specialised support without a long-term commitment.

Contractors allow you to address specific needs on-demand, ensuring essential work is handled efficiently. This flexible approach not only reduces costs compared to full-time hires but also provides immediate, high-impact support exactly when it’s needed most.

3. Faster ‘time to value’ during year end transitions

As the year end deadlines approach, contractors bring valuable expertise and skills to keep projects on track, ensuring continuity and performance without overwhelming your existing staff. This can also preserve your team’s focus and help your organisation maintain momentum during this high-demand period.

Tiernan O'Brien from our contracting team shares a recent experience where he was able to fill a roll quickly for his client:

“My client had only two weeks before their Demand & Supply Planner was set to leave. They needed someone who could step in immediately, take over the handover process, and keep things running smoothly. And, while managing this transition, they also needed to continue searching for a long-term, permanent hire. Without the right person in place, their operations could have been disrupted. Not to mention the pressure of finding someone permanent who could fit into the team and stay for the long haul. The candidate I found wasn’t just available right away - they had extensive experience in demand and supply planning and knew how to quickly integrate into a new team. I made sure to prioritise finding someone who could handle both the operational requirements, and the delicate transition needed for a successful handover. The individual I secured not only had the right skills but also a great cultural fit with my client’s team. They were eager to jump in, take over the responsibilities, and ensure the business kept running smoothly.”

4. Bringing in fresh perspectives & specialised skills

There are two key types of talent to hire during a restructure: highly skilled contractors who solve specific challenges and support-focused contractors who bring fresh perspectives to your team. Specialised contractors often come with the technical expertise required for complex tasks, such as setting up new systems or implementing project-specific solutions.

On the other hand, support-focused contractors bring diverse experience across industries and functions, offering fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that can help refine processes and boost team dynamics.

We asked Jo Krause, State Contracting Lead to share a time she has had first hand experience with bringing in fresh perspective:

Conclusion: A smooth and productive restructure to support your existing team

Restructuring can open the door to growth and operational improvements, but it’s essential to consider the hidden costs of increased workload on your core team. Overloading your staff during restructuring not only risks burnout and turnover but also threatens the continuity and quality of your operations.

Contracting solutions provide an effective way to bridge the gap during transitions, offering flexible support that allows your team to stay focused, motivated, and productive.

If your organisation is facing restructuring challenges, reach out to our Contracting team at Six Degrees Executive. We’re here to help you navigate transitions smoothly, with strategic talent solutions that protect your team and drive your business forward!