Nhi (Chairperson / Vice-President):
“Thanks, everyone, for being here. As you know, we’re considering relocating our European
head office from Paris to Beauchamp, and we have a lot to discuss. I want to hear your
honest thoughts on how this might affect our team, brand, and operations. Let’s keep this
open and interactive – feel free to ask each other questions. Nhung, maybe you could start
us off?”
Nhung (Manager A - Against Relocation):
“Sure, Nhi. I’m honestly quite worried about this move. For one, I think the open-plan design
in Beauchamp might not go over well with our team – most people here prefer having private
offices. And, being in Paris is a big draw for young talent. Moving to a smaller town could
hurt our recruitment. I also wonder if the commute will wear people out. I mean, traveling
over 100 kilometers each way is bound to affect their work-life balance.”
Son (Manager B - In Favor of Relocation):
“I hear you, Nhung, but I think you’re overlooking the potential benefits. For example, having
everyone on one site can really improve communication. Plus, the new building has some
great amenities – a café, gym, and even a pool. Doesn’t that sound like a boost for staff
morale?”
Nhung (Manager A - Against Relocation):
“Maybe, but do you really think that’s enough to make up for leaving Paris? The city has so
much to offer – both professionally and personally. What if people start leaving because they
feel disconnected or miss the energy here?”
Nhu (Independent Management Consultant):
“That’s a good point, Nhung, but Son’s right too. I’ve advised other companies through
similar relocations, and with the right support, it can work. For instance, InStep has planned
some benefits like moving assistance, meal subsidies, childcare facilities, and flexible hours.
Son, do you think that would be enough to keep people on board?”
Son (Manager B - In Favor of Relocation):
“I think so. And there are also tax incentives and relocation grants from the local
government. Those savings could fund even more perks for staff. But, Nhu, what about the
perception side of things? Nhung mentioned brand visibility. How big a risk do you think that
is?”
Nhu (Independent Management Consultant):
“That’s definitely something to think about. Paris has that prestige factor, which could be
hard to replace. But with some strategic PR efforts, we might be able to shift the narrative.
The move could be seen as a way to build a stronger, more united team in a state-of-the-art
facility. Nhi, have we looked into how other companies managed this?”
Nhi (Chairperson / Vice-President):
“Yes, that’s something we’ll consider in our analysis. Also, I’d like us to think about the
impact on our supplier relationships. Most of our key partners are based in or around Paris.
Could moving further out cause logistical issues? Son, do you think it would affect our supply
chain?”
Son (Manager B - In Favor of Relocation):
“It could lead to some initial adjustments, but I don’t think it would be a major issue long-
term. We could explore alternate logistics solutions. Besides, Beauchamp has cheaper land
options if we ever need more space for expansion. That’s hard to come by in Paris.”
Nhi (Chairperson / Vice-President):
“Alright, this has been a productive discussion. Here’s what I propose: we conduct a
thorough cost-benefit analysis, especially looking at employee morale, supply chain
adjustments, and brand perception. We should also gather direct feedback from the broader
team – maybe a survey or some focus groups to understand their thoughts on the move.
Does that sound fair?”
Nhung (Manager A - Against Relocation):
“Yes, that sounds good. I’d also like to see data on how the commute might impact
productivity and staff retention.”
Son (Manager B - In Favor of Relocation):
“Agreed. And if we do go forward, maybe we can explore ways to ease the commute for
employees who choose to stay in Paris.”
Nhu (Independent Management Consultant):
“Perfect. I think having a solid action plan will help alleviate some of these concerns. Let’s
put together a summary of today’s discussion and plan our next steps.”
Nhi (Chairperson / Vice-President):
“Great. Let’s reconvene on November 9, 2024, with a clear objective to finalize the decision
based on the analysis and feedback from the team. Thank you all for your insights. I’ll send
out a summary along with action items after this meeting.”
Objectives for Next Meeting (November 9, 2024):
1. Review the cost-benefit analysis of relocating to Beauchamp.
2. Analyze employee feedback on the potential move.
3. Finalize the decision on relocation based on data and feedback.
