restructuring had a profound effect on many organizations during the 2980s and 1990s and continues to do so in the 21st century. It has become a fact of life for many firms. It is estimated that more than half of the US companies in the fortune 1000 experienced significant restructuring during 1980s and 1990s. Some estimated that this figure may be as high as 80%. As indicated in exhibit 17.1, more than 1 million employees in major firms lost their jobs due to major restructuring in the 1997 to 2000 period. Downsizing and restructuring has not abated. In 2007, about 931,053 jobs cuts were announced by US companies. During 2007, there was aware companies announcing job cuts from old economy firms such as GM, Motorola, Chrysler, Citigroup, Gillete and Xerox. Companies now cut jobs as a short term fix for tough economic times, high energy prices, the housing bust and the possibility of a recession have companies retooling with the expectation of lower profit margins. Many longtime, well established companies are facing increasing competition from amore open global market. A major issue in most restructuring decision is how to deal with the organizations Human Resources. The possibilities range from nontermanination, such as reassignment and restraining to temporary layoffs and permanent terminations, restricting affects workers on the shop floors and in offices as well as the highest-ranking executives. It almost always involves a reduction in the size of an organizations workforce. As a result, deciding on how to handle the part of the human resources of. A restructuring is among the most difficult decisions that an organizations managers will ever face. Issues and alternatives are rarely clear, and each path has its own problems. A poorly planned or carried out restructuring may cause hostility and fear in employees, and it may destroy trust for both those separated and those who remain in the organization. The unique role of the HR manager as the link between employees and the management becomes even more crucial during restructuring.

Question: What is the role of the HR professional in a restructuring?