Many of us have been in organizations that use Service Excellence or similar programs that help improve moral and build teamwork  amongst a diverse staff.  With budgets being cut and resources and time scarce, has your organization cut these programs, or cut so much of the budget that what is left doesn’t meet your goals?  If you still have this type of program how have you been able to keep it from the chopping block?

Occassionally health care organizations "right size", for different reasons but often to improve finances.  Many times this effort is facilitated by an external group.

I am curious to hear the experiences other organizations have had during this process (especially, positive experiences).  The time can generate considerable angst among employees, of all levels.  Recent events (e.g. April 16 hospital shooting in Long Beach CA, presumably because the shooter had heard a rumor about layoffs at the hospital) show that angst can be quite destructive.

How can the process be managed well?