Unfortunately, Corporate Communications isn't always about good news. In this case, as part of my Corporate Services mandate, I had to communicate and coordinate the downsizing in Braxtel. This was the general announcement I wrote for the Executive communication. Two months later the company had to announce a second downsizing.

Dear Colleague,

In recent weeks, we told you about the challenges facing Braxtel and the difficult decisions that we may have to make. Specifically, we told you that we are looking for additional financing in the April-May timeframe and that preserving our cash is our highest priority.

Our goal is to reduce our monthly spend rate to $750,000. We have taken a number of measures to achieve this target including reducing salaries at the executive level, eliminating unnecessary travel, postponing salary increases and encouraging everybody to think about how they use company resources such as phones, stationery etc.

We told you this might not be enough and that we may have to eliminate some jobs to consolidate the company. Regretfully, this will be a necessary step, although we have done everything to minimize the number of people affected.

First, we are not back-filling existing vacancies. Second, we are discontinuing contracts with contract employees. Finally, as a last resort, we are consolidating positions and reducing headcount. The net effect is that there will be a reduction of 18 positions in Braxtel and this will affect 10 employees who are being let go this week.

This is a difficult time for those who are leaving and we ask that you give them your support and understanding on their final days. We have committed to helping these people find alternative employment (for example, we will bring an employment agency on site this Friday to assist them in their job search).

In addition, we will be holding a series of team meetings over the next few days with all employees to talk about these necessary activities as well as to acknowledge and appreciate our colleagues and fellow workers who will be leaving us.

We are taking this necessary step along a path we believe will lead to long-term success for the company, our customers and our employees.

But we recognize that it is also a difficult time for you but we ask that you continue to give us your support - our future, in large measure, depends on it.

Thank you.

[Executive Names]