Mergers and acquisitions are becoming common in the present business environment. Companies have to do this at times to enable them to become more competitive. However, mergers are useless without the effort of the employees of the different firms. Employees could be uncomfortable with mergers because of the uncertainty that they bring. It is critical that the management uses the following strategies to calm them.
Foster Communication Between The Employees And Management
During this period of uncertainty, communication is essential to promote calm among the employees. Keeping the communication lines open will enable the management to know any problems that the employees have with the process early on. Therefore, they will be able to provide solutions, quickly preventing the situation from deteriorating further.
When you allow employees to communicate what they feel about the merger, they will feel appreciated. It will reduce any worries that they have because the management can assure them. Also, communication will increase the likelihood of them supporting the merger. A suitable type of communication is open, honest, and frequent.
Communicate The Mission And Objectives Of The New Organization
Mergers involve the combining of two different firms. Therefore, the first step you should make is to ensure the new organization that is formed has a mission and objectives. You should make an effort to communicate the new mission and goals to your employees. Also, when designing your mission and goals, you should consider the employees of the firm. Therefore, the new mission should have a relation to the organization’s previous one. If it does not, it will increase the uncertainty that the employees have. The worst effect that this can cause is employees quitting their jobs.
Inform Employees On The Changing Roles And Structure
When a firm is merging with another, changes would undoubtedly occur to both organizations. Fundamental changes that occur during this process is the combination of departments and teams while some positions could become redundant. These factors can cause the organization’s employees to be uneasy. However, informing them of the changes can address their concerns. Also, you can engage experts, such as Carter West, to enable you to structure the new company while causing minimum disruptions.
Mergers are an inevitable process in the current business environment that enables the participating firms to become more competitive. However, they come with uncertainties more so to employees. Fostering open communication during this process is critical to reducing these uncertainties and calming the employees.
