How H&Z Helped Transform a Global Team

Client Challenge

A global engineering company found itself grappling with serious challenges in two key areas: engineering and HR. Both departments operated in silos, with fragmented processes and little alignment, which slowed everything down and hindered effective collaboration. Earlier attempts to restructure the organization had missed the mark, leading to employee disengagement and skepticism towards new initiatives. There was a noticeable gap—neither department had a clear sense of purpose, leaving employees unsure of how to move forward or work together.

The company knew it needed a thorough overhaul, not just to streamline operations, but to get everyone on the same page and re-energize the workforce. Without addressing these deep-rooted issues, the company was at risk of falling behind in an increasingly competitive market. It needed a fresh start, and fast.

H&Z Approach

H&Z stepped in to guide the transformation, starting with the basics: aligning the two departments around a shared vision. This vision became the north star, giving both engineering and HR a clear direction and a stronger sense of purpose. It wasn’t just about improving efficiency—it was about creating a foundation where people could collaborate more effectively and feel empowered in their roles. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all solution, H&Z took a personalized approach. They developed processes and roles through real-life scenarios, or "use cases," which made the changes easier to understand and implement. By breaking things down into these practical examples, employees could see how the new ways of working would play out in their daily routines. To bring this vision to life, H&Z used visual sketches that showed how teams could collaborate more smoothly. This visual aid helped the whole organization grasp the changes on a practical level. H&Z knew that involving employees early and often was the key to success. Previous attempts at reorganization had faltered because they left people feeling disconnected and ignored. To turn that around, H&Z created a "sounding board" for employees—a space where they could voice concerns, share feedback, and feel part of the transformation. This inclusive approach built trust and made sure everyone was on board, easing the usual fears that come with change. The team also rolled out a detailed change management plan that addressed both internal and external stakeholders. They understood that communication was critical, so the plan ensured that everyone received the right information at the right time. This proactive approach helped to ease any resistance and kept the project on track.

Results

The transformation, guided by H&Z, breathed new life into the engineering and HR departments. What had once been two disconnected, sluggish functions evolved into a well-oiled machine, working together towards a common goal. Employees who had previously been hesitant or disengaged became active participants in the change, thanks to the open communication and involvement from start to finish.

The use case-based process redesign gave the teams a clear path forward, helping them understand not just what needed to change, but how to make those changes stick. Collaboration improved, and the company saw a tangible boost in efficiency. Leadership was particularly impressed with how seamless the new processes were, and the overall positive impact on productivity.

The thoughtful and thorough change management plan made all the difference, ensuring that everyone involved felt informed and supported. By focusing on clear communication and team mobilization, H&Z helped the company overcome the hurdles that had stalled previous attempts at transformation. In the end, the organization didn’t just survive the change—it thrived.

This project highlighted H&Z’s unique ability to create tailored solutions that not only solve immediate problems but lead to sustainable, long-term success for the companies they partner with.