Uniting Company Cultures and Goals during Mergers & Acquisitions

In my last post, I discussed the fears that employees usually experience when an M&A is announced and the importance of maintaining consistency for employees throughout the process. These needs for validation, consistency and a clear plan for the future can all be addressed through a strategic recognition program, easing the transition period and keeping employees engaged and performance high. My five steps to smoothing the M&A transition process through recognition are:

1) Merge the two companies’ vision and values into a new statement that is meaningful to employees from both organizations. Then use the strategic recognition program as a positive communication tool of the vision and values to all employees. When done correctly, recognizing behaviors, actions or attitudes that are tied to a specific value will help those values come alive for all employees, creating a more meaningful and memorable impact. Designate recognition ambassadors within both merging companies to encourage and demonstrate appropriate use of the recognition program.

2) As with any strategic program, secure executive sponsorship of the recognition program, but be sure to include key senior leadership from both companies in the initial roll-out. By seeing familiar and trusted leaders encouraging positive appreciation moments throughout the merged organization, employees from both companies will begin to notice and acknowledge the valuable efforts and contributions from their colleagues in the other company.

3) Any strategic program requires measurable goals to track success. Frequency, timeliness and appropriateness of the rewards are critical in recognition programs. In the special case of M&A, specific goals should be included to track the progress of the merger of the two cultures into one of appreciation across the global workforce.

4) Prior to program launch, confidentially survey employees on current job satisfaction; engagement level in their current roles; level of concern with the M&A relative to job retention, potential culture change and leadership; understanding of the values of the merged entity; and how those values translate to daily behaviors. Conduct the survey again periodically to measure improvements in these and other predetermined critical-to-success areas.

5) Launch the program soon after the M&A is announced to engage all employees in this new culture of appreciation, help them understand their continued value to the merged organization, and unite all employees behind the new vision and values.

What has your experience been during an M&A? Was it successful? Did you feel left out of the communication loop? If you were a leader during the process, what worked well and what would you consider doing differently next time?