Here are some of the key HR steps that need to happen during a merger or acquisition:

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Pre merger:

 

• Select a merger and acquisition project team and leader.

• Ensure everyone involved can learn from the process.

• Perform cultural assessments of the merging businesses.

• Create practices for learning and knowledge transfer.

 

​During the integration period HR representatives should be:

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• Designing new teams.

• Creating new structures.

• Retaining key employees.

• Motivating employees.

• Managing the change process.

• Deciding on workable HR policies.

• Selecting the appropriate candidates where there is competition for jobs.

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Post integration HR should work on:

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• Developing new teams.

• Establishing the new culture and structure.

• Solidifying leadership and staffing.

• Assessing the new culture.

• Assessing new strategies and structures.

• Assessing the culture of the new employees.

• Moulding the two new cultures into one.

• Reviewing the process for lessons learned - both positive and negative.

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