Navigating Change During an M&A Journey
How to Stay Informed and Make Your Voice Heard
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) can be unsettling. When two companies come together, changes to policies, working conditions, and culture are inevitable. While uncertainty is natural, these transitions can also present opportunities — especially for those who take a proactive approach.
Over the years, I’ve supported multiple large-scale M&A integrations, helping leadership teams navigate the workforce side of the deal. A key focus is often ensuring that pay structures, working conditions, and reward mechanisms are aligned to support a fairer, more sustainable environment. But integration isn’t always smooth — especially when legacy policies lead to unintended consequences.
In one case, employees discovered they could claim sick leave on overtime or public holidays — and receive double or triple pay. What started as a well-intentioned policy became a system ripe for exploitation. Those who showed up felt overwhelmed and unfairly treated.
As part of the integration, I worked with leadership to reshape the policy — balancing fairness with professionalism. Many employees welcomed the change. But, as is often the case, those who had benefited from the loophole resisted loudly, trying to hold onto a broken system.
This is why it’s important to engage with change proactively, not reactively. When employees lean into the process — asking questions, raising thoughtful concerns, and participating constructively — they help shape the outcome rather than just respond to it.
How to Engage Positively During an M&A Journey
✅ Seek Clarity – If you hear rumors or feel uncertain about changes, ask for clear, factual information from leadership or HR. Don’t assume the worst.
✅ Raise Concerns Professionally – If a change feels unfair or short-sighted, speak up — but do so constructively. Frame your concerns around fairness and business impact, not just personal inconvenience.
✅ Use Consultation Channels – Mergers often include formal feedback mechanisms. Take part. Ensure discussions aren’t dominated by those resisting change for the wrong reasons.
✅ Support Positive Change – If new policies bring fairness, clarity, or professionalism, acknowledge them. In transitions, resistant voices are often loud — balanced ones need to be heard too.
✅ Maintain Professionalism – How you show up matters. Those who offer thoughtful input are far more likely to influence outcomes than those who only complain.
Final Thoughts
M&A reshapes organizations — but it can also reshape careers. I’ve seen time and again that employees who stay informed, remain professional, and engage constructively don’t just survive the change. They thrive in what comes next.
Change isn’t always easy. But with the right approach, it can lead to something better — for you, your team, and the organization as a whole.