We think about organisations from a people perspective - and from a business perspective. Because only organisations that develop the potential of their workforce in a targeted manner will remain competitive. Our People & Change department supports companies in harmonising HR strategies with corporate goals - both in the context of transactions and in transformation processes.
Creating structures that have a measurable impact
With an integrated end-to-end approach, we create structures that have a measurable impact: We optimise organisational structures and processes, increase the ability to change, strengthen HR functions and support performance and remuneration management. In this way, we make organisations resilient and adaptable to HR challenges in transaction and transformation projects.
Our range of services
Together with our customers, we create the conditions for sustainable corporate success - with people at the centre.
Our E2E approach comprises four core elements that we offer along transaction and transformation projects;
- Workforce & Organization Design
- Organisational Change Management
- Transformation of the HR function
- Performance & Compensation
The transformation of business models, new technologies and the use of AI are fundamentally changing the demands placed on organisations and employees. Our Workforce & Organisation Design division supports companies in aligning their structures and personnel with these changes in a targeted, data-based, strategic and sustainable manner.
Workforce - developing and utilising talent in a targeted manner
A future-oriented HR strategy starts with transparency: about existing capacities, key roles and critical competences. Together with our customers, we develop strategies to attract, develop and retain talent - and at the same time actively prepare the workforce for future requirements.
Our services include:
- Analysis and visualisation of the existing workforce and skill distribution
- Development of customised recruiting and talent strategies
- Designing modern career and development paths to promote commitment and retention
- Support for personnel restructuring - well-founded and socially responsible
By combining data-based analyses and proven methods, we help you to develop a future-oriented HR strategy that takes into account both the needs of your company and those of your employees. Rely on our expertise to sustainably strengthen your organisation and make it future-proof.
Organisation Design
Efficient organisations need clear structures, roles and responsibilities. Challenges such as unclear reporting relationships, lack of accountability or duplication of work are now commonplace in organisations. These problems undermine the potential for economies of scale through centralisation and make it difficult to implement the corporate strategy.
We support companies in the strategic realignment of their organisation - whether through the optimisation of management structures, the adaptation of governance models or the implementation of new target operating models.
Our approach includes:
Organisational Health & Governance Structures: Development of target images, management span and reporting analyses as well as implementation planning down to employee level - based on the proven Organisation Design for Performance (ODP) framework
People Allocation & Enablement: Planning and implementation with regard to adjustments to headcount and FTE (e.g. reduction, relocation, names to boxes) as well as the adjustment of competences and working methods (e.g. enablement).
The implementation is carried out together with colleagues for Organisational Performance, in close coordination with KPMG Law* on labour law issues and integration of proven change management methods to actively involve, empower and motivate your employees.
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Your contacts
Frédéric Pirker
Partner, Performance & Strategy, Enterprise Performance
KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
Pia Richter
Senior Managerin, Performance & Strategy - People & Change
KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
Transformations are only successful if they are supported by the people in the organisation. Our Organisational Change Management division supports organisations in shaping change processes holistically - strategically sound, effectively implemented and sustainably anchored.
Whether restructuring, technological transformation or cultural change: we create acceptance, reduce resistance and involve employees and managers in a targeted manner.
Typical challenges in change:
- Resistance and uncertainty in the team
- Lack of or inconsistent communication
- Unclear goals and roles in the change process
- Lack of resources or leadership support
- Uncoordinated cultural and structural changes
- Lack of a "people case" to derive personnel-related measures
Our approach - change that works
With a structured change management framework, we help companies to make change measurably successful - from the initial stakeholder dialogue to the long-term integration of new ways of working. Our internationally proven "Make It" approach combines change processes with a clear focus on communication, empowerment and cultural change.
Our core elements are
Fields of application
Our change approach can be applied across all industries - including technology transformations, the introduction of GenAI, ESG initiatives, reorganisations, M&A processes, agile transformations and the further development of leadership and corporate culture.
Effective change management helps companies not only to adapt, but also to utilise opportunities and secure competitive advantages. Resistance is reduced, communication within the company is improved, there is increased acceptance of the change and a changed corporate and management culture - with KPMG as a partner, change succeeds - in a structured, human and future-orientated way.
The demands placed on HR are changing rapidly: digital transformation, new employee expectations, technological pent-up demand and increasing pressure to be efficient require a fundamental rethink. Outdated processes, high administrative costs and a lack of user centricity are increasingly standing in the way of HR's strategic role.
We support companies in the reorganisation of their HR function - in a holistic, modular and future-oriented way. Our consulting approach combines three central perspectives:
HR of the Future: Shaping HR strategies for the future
A modern HR organisation needs clear objectives, data-based decision-making principles and agile structures. We support the strategic realignment of the HR function - from analysing existing processes to developing a new target operating model.
Our focus:
- Evaluation and realignment of the HR strategy
- Process analysis and integration into a scalable operating model
- KPI-based industry comparison and target development
- Integration of modern technologies (e.g. AI, cloud, mobile solutions)
- Use of established HR organisation models
Together, we create the basis for a flexible, efficient and employee-centred HR function.
HR Technology & Digitalisation: Technology as an enabler of a high-performance HR function
We provide you with comprehensive support in the selection, development and implementation of your HR IT - the selection, implementation and continuous development of HR technologies is key to transparency, compliance and efficiency. We accompany you through all phases of your HR IT transformation - from strategy to ongoing operations.
Our three-stage approach:
- Requirements analysis & software selection
- Implementation & Integration
- Continuous development & support
Whether on-premise or in the cloud - we ensure a seamless system landscape, automated interfaces and improved data quality. The integration of smart technologies such as AI and analytics creates additional added value.
At the same time, integration with other technologies plays a major role. This can bring considerable benefits:
Employee Experience & Life Cycle: Employee centricity as a competitive advantage
Creating a positive work experience throughout the entire employee life cycle, from recruitment and on-boarding through to day-to-day work and professional development, is a key lever for increasing satisfaction, productivity and retention. Together, we develop solutions that are tailored to the individual needs of your employees.
Our focus areas for improving the employee experience:
- Analysis and optimisation of the employee journey
- Use of real-time feedback systems and data-based management
- Developing customised learning and development paths
- Promoting a motivating, inclusive and appreciative work culture
- Use of modern technologies
- Employee experience doesn't just start in the workplace - it shapes every moment of working life.
With our expertise in HR transformation, technology and people issues, we create future-proof HR functions - strategically aligned, efficiently positioned and with a clear focus on employees.
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Performance and compensation systems are a key lever for increasing motivation, employee loyalty and corporate success. We support organisations in setting up integrated performance and compensation models that meet both strategic objectives and regulatory requirements.
Using tried-and-tested methods, market-driven benchmarks and data-based analysis tools from the KPMG network, we develop customised solutions - from the remuneration structure to benefits programmes and performance management.
Our approach links remuneration directly to company-relevant KPIs and creates the basis for a sustainable performance and corporate culture.
Our focal points at a glance:
Equal pay - commitment with potential
Transparent and fair remuneration systems are not only required by law - they are also a strategic advantage in the competition for talent. With a view to the requirements of the EU Pay Transparency Directive, we support companies in systematically implementing equal pay - and generating real added value from it.
Our services in the equal pay context:
- Analysing and building an objective database
- Grading and job matching structures
- Integration of performance criteria into remuneration systems
- Compliance-compliant implementation and reporting
- Development of clear, comprehensible communication strategies
Our goal: remuneration systems that motivate, provide orientation and create trust - for employees, managers and external stakeholders alike.
People & Change in transactions
Transactions have a deep impact on the organisation - especially on the HR function and employees. Our team supports companies throughout the entire deal cycle with a clear focus on HR-related areas of action. The aim is to identify and manage risks at an early stage - for example through measures to retain key employees, reduce resistance within the company or avoid labour law conflicts. At the same time, we create the prerequisites for sustainably securing and increasing deal value - through the targeted design of HR structures, the workforce and the corporate culture.
In close cooperation with our colleagues from the Integration & Separation, Transaction Services and KPMG Law Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft We support integrations, carve-outs, due diligences and the establishment of joint ventures - comprehensively and from a single source.
Typical challenges in the deal environment
In doing so, we concentrate on the central people issues of the transaction:
- HR function: realignment of the HR organisation for the efficient and cost-effective provision of services in the target company
- Stakeholder engagement & communication: Supporting managers and employees through transparent communication and targeted change measures to realise the deal objective
- Organisation & Talent: Development and implementation of target operating models, talent strategies, retention programmes, management audits and compensation concepts
- Employee transfer & labour law: Strategic planning and implementation of personnel transfers, taking into account the legal framework and operational requirements
With our integrated expertise, we ensure that people issues do not become a secondary role in the M&A process - but a decisive success factor.
People & Change in transformations
Transformations are complex - whether digitalisation, cultural change, functional realignment or restructuring. Our People & Change department supports companies in the successful implementation of such projects - strategically, structurally and culturally.
Based on our People End-to-End Framework, we support the redesign of organisations, roles and remuneration systems, the optimisation of the HR function and holistic change management.
In close cooperation with colleagues from areas such as enterprise performance or consulting, we create the conditions for sustainable change and strengthen the competitiveness of our customers.
Whether comprehensive business transformation or targeted individual measures - our approach is modular and is tailored precisely to your challenges. For example, we support both comprehensive reorganisations and specific change initiatives such as an S/4HANA migration.
- Restructuring and value creation
- Digitalisation and AI
- Process optimisation
- Functional transformation
- Functional transformationCultural change
More KPMG Insights on People & Change
Your contact
Anna Richter
Partner, Performance & Strategy, Head of People & Change
KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
* Rechtsdienstleistungen werden durch die KPMG Law Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH erbracht