A good feedback-collection process uses a number of tools, such as pulse surveys, integration barometers, town halls, focus groups, and website or email feedback. The team used the same approach and project-management tools that the merger’s other workstreams (such as IT) did. hereLearn more about cookies, Opens in new Addressee Address City, State Zip. Communicating changes to the employees. Among the factors that impact M&A performance is the quality of the communication with employees. At the heart of every successful merger/acquisition is proper and thorough communications. Regularly communicating with customers and employees in the pre-close period is critical to limit damage to the organization. Lay out the reasons for the merger or acquisition, how it will benefit the company and what the future holds for employees, including job security and any changes to their benefits. Structured communications play a critical role in mergers by preventing the distractions that often accompany them and could even damage the existing businesses. While discussing employee benefits has sometimes been regarded as a human resources minefield, it's critically important to have a strategy in place for communicating changes in benefits that fully informs your workforce and doesn't damage employee … For example, management should explain why the merger or acquisition was advantageous; repeat messages through multiple communication channels; recognize that employees prefer face-to-face communications; check to make sure that the messages sent were the messages In a recent merger, targeted communications and leadership time spent cultivating the high performers—including one-on-one discussions between them and the leadership on future career paths—let them know how greatly they were valued. Employees are critically important stakeholders. Copyright © 2020, Redeapp. Please use UP and DOWN arrow keys to review autocomplete results. Maintaining ongoing employee benefits communication is a key element in boosting employment satisfaction and engagement with your business. Please try again later. Then expect lower productivity and loss of trust. Recruiting these employees up front and using their support to gather feedback is quite helpful. Always provide constant status updates to employees, and continue to let them know their role and how they can make the process more seamless. As frequently mentioned by researchers and practitioners, many mergers and acquisitions (M&A) fail to achieve their expected results. And when a merger or acquisition occurs, some duplicated jobs are eliminated. The US has seen more than 325,000 mergers & acquisitions since 1985. Workers now work wherever work needs to get done. Rather than leaving everyone to wonder how the reorganization will affect their relationship with the company, it’s wise to develop communication strategies that address employee concerns as well as questions from customers, suppliers and vendors. Sharing internal knowledge around the water cooler. The key when pulsing during a merger or acquisition is to make employee … In our work with companies, we have found that several best practices are critical to develop a structured merger-communications strategy. Well, to be honest-- a lot.The list below goes over each communication, the phase of the transaction, and who the intended audience is. A good communication plan should be established before the deal is finalized, and carried on throughout the process. If employees know what to expect, why you are conducting the survey, and how they will … Learn about A strong communications strategy and plan promote business continuity by ensuring that the right messages are communicated and reinforced to minimize the anxiety of employees, boost morale, and retain talent. In addition, the communications plan lays a foundation for the combined organization’s future success.It is one of the few merger workstreams that go “live” immediately, as soon as merger … These steps aren’t meant to be “one and done.” They are usually iterative and often require refining as the communications and leadership teams learn lessons during the phases of the merger and get feedback on the initial communications—and as communications needs evolve. Every merger has a wide range of stakeholders, and each kind of stakeholder requires a customized approach and targeted messaging. The merger will provide the path to improved compensation and benefits for employees. The recent merger with Doe Associates necessitates the closing of our Springfield outlet; however, we are happy to report that all other outlets have vacancies, and we anticipate that most Springfield employees … Business leaders recognize that they often fall short in this area. Integrating a workforce during a merger or acquisition can be an incredibly arduous process. During a major change such as a merger, employees are in need of information that will bring clarity to their specific situation. If you would like information about this content we will be happy to work with you. And finally, it explains matters and provides the underlying rationale to employees” (Brahma & Srivastava, 2007, p. 8). The communications plan is a vital tool to inform and influence stakeholders before transactions close, so it is critical to start early and get the message right, both before and after the close. 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