The challenge

Following a cross-border acquisition, our client launched an integration programme to bring the organisations together. The programme had multiple workstreams, all of which would significantly affect the people in both legacy organisations. Recognising the potential for disruption, our client wanted to ensure their people had the best possible experience of the change.

They asked Change Associates to help. 

What we did

We worked at both the enterprise and workstream level to understand the planned changes to operating processes, structures, use of systems, and rewards and benefits. We analysed the impact of the change on different stakeholder groups and built a plan to support people through the change.

We looked at how to optimise the employee experience throughout the transition, minimising the impact and managing any resistance. This in turn would minimise disruption to the business and accelerate the point at which people would be engaged and productive in the new organisation.

Working with internal teams in HR, training and communications, we looked at change readiness, built a clear picture of stakeholders’ experience of change and helped ensure effective change planning and implementation.

The result

• The integration was achieved on time and on budget, delivering the deal goals
• The employee experience of the change was positive, with good employee engagement
• Employees embraced new ways of working and supported the collaborative and innovative operating culture of the new organisation
• The business has a legacy of change tools and methods that they can use in future

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