Background: For this assignment, you will write a persuasive memo to all employees in an attempt to persuade them that there will be new cost-savings measures. Remember to apply the PAIBOC model when writing your memo. As you will likely be met with some resistance, you will need to use an indirect approach.

Instructions

1. Write an internal business memo for the scenario below, using the template provided.
2. Use PAIBOC to guide your writing.
3. Since you expect resistance from your audience, use the indirect persuasive method to organize this message: shared problem, details, solution, negatives, reader benefits and request for action.
4. Refer to Module 9 Composing Persuasive Messages of your course textbook as well as the PowerPoint slides for this unit.
5. Be sure to proofread and revise your writing before submitting your final copy for grading.

Scenario

As the Human Resource Manager for RCB Construction (Alberta) you have been regularly meeting with the leadership team. With the end of the fiscal year approaching, the leadership team has been assessing the performance of RCB Construction. Although the company remains healthy, revenue has been flat for the last three quarters due to the pandemic, and revenue projections indicate a downturn next year. One of the main drivers in the business is the Commercial Building Construction division. Due to COVID-19, this division has seen a sharp decrease in revenue and clients are cancelling their investment plans. As well, the Institutional Building Construction department has had a particularly difficult time since the pandemic has forced the companies to send their employees home to work virtually.

Effectively immediately, all areas of the organization must plan for a 20% reduction in costs, with a particular focus on non-essential spending. Additionally, there will be a salary freeze and no bonuses will be offered in the current year. This decision was not taken lightly and it was determined that these actions needed to be taken to avoid massive staff layoffs. According to the Morneau Shepells 38^th annual Salary Projection Survey, 36% of Canadian organizations froze salaries in 2020 compared to just 2% the year before. And in particular, Alberta was one of the hardest hit. In Alberta, 16% of employees are expecting more salary freezes, which was the highest than any other province, driven by the decline in commodity prices.

Instruction reminder: In your own words, write a persuasive message, indirect request in a Memorandum format to all employees at RCB Construction that there will be new cost-savings measures (i.e. Reduction in costs, salary freezes and no bonuses).