Avoid pitfalls when handling new business ownership

Going through a company merger or acquisition can be both an intimidating and humbling experience — especially for employees of an acquired company. There are a lot of unknowns — the biggest for most employees being, “What does this mean for me?” 

Depending on the reason and goals for the deal, outcomes for employees are varied. In a 2000 survey by the Institute for Mergers, Acquisitions and Alliances, a quarter of survey respondents reported increases in undesirable turnover and 41% reported declines in morale and engagement as a part of the fallout of merger and acquisition activity. Although they might not have answers to all of the unknowns, executives must be intentional in combating these sentiments from the forefront.