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HR Support with Company Mergers & Acquisitions

Editor's Note: Ensure a smooth transition before, during and after a merger or acquisition.

Michael JacobsonOverview: HR has a crucial role to play during a restructuring, merger or acquisition. They must assist in collecting and protecting human capital information, ease the transition from the current company culture to the new company culture, ensure employees maintain or transition into adequate benefits programs and address employee concerns regarding post-event structure, performance evaluation and infrastructure.

During the initial evaluation of a potential reorganization, HR helps determine whether the existing culture is compatible with that of the new or resulting company. Throughout the transition process, the HR specialist is often the point-person in transitioning employees between cultures while also helping them to migrate from and to benefits plans. Once the event is complete, the HR specialist has a key role in reestablishing policies and procedures, ensuring employees understand any changes and addressing employee concerns. At all times, HR is integral in ensuring the transition is smooth, problem-free, and that it does not create any issues in the future.

Trends: Once the reorganization event is complete, HR remains active in ensuring employee concerns are collected and addressed in an organized, efficient manner. Designating employees to manage and receive concerns from employees, while conducting periodic team meetings and maintaining an internal communications structure can go a long way toward managing employee expectations. If HR specialists are successful in addressing employee concerns, they may substantially improve the new company's chances of success.

Author: Michael Jacobson, JD, Legal Editor

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HR guidance on preparing for, processing and addressing employee concerns before, during and after a merger or acquisition.

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