Companies merging, it's trendy. In the beginning it is often very exciting and challenging but soon resistance arises and suddenly the kinship with the new company disappears like snow in the sun.
Did you know that about 70% of mergers are not success stories? Especially the cultural differences between the merging companies often cause problems. The difference in internal communication, a different way of working, a different personality of employees... In short, the difference in identity surfaces. These differences cause friction among staff and the "us-feeling" versus the "them-feeling" gets the upper hand.
In addition to cultural differences, the content of different positions in the company usually changes. Suddenly your position no longer exists or you even have to go apply for your current position... A very stressful event that often fosters rivalry between colleagues. The "loser" is left with a very unpleasant feeling of incompetence. All this negatively determines the atmosphere in the workplace.
Often management also forgets to communicate internally about the new company's future plans. Employees are left with questions about the new company's vision and mission. Questions about layoffs remain unanswered and create uncertainty. Employees often don't even know where to turn with all their questions and uncertainties. This creates anxiety and causes people to look for work elsewhere.
The merger also effectively makes the company bigger. One consequence is that you end up in a greater increase in bureaucracy and anonymity. Applying for something or launching an idea is very cumbersome and a hassle. This makes a person tired and reluctant to take initiative.
A merger means change
Similarly, a client says: "My life also changed completely because of a merger story. As an educator, I was working in a small college but suddenly found myself, due to a merger, in a mastodon where everything ran differently. My position could no longer continue and I was absorbed into a team made up mostly of employees from the other college. I felt lost, ignored and passed over and was heading for a bore-out. Was this how I wanted to shape my future career? This was not the company I wanted and could work for. In good spirits, I went to my superiors and begged for a new, challenging job. There I was told that I needed to give the merger process time and that it would all work out in three years.... THREE YEARS!!! After many sleepless nights and conversations with colleagues and friends, I decided to choose for myself and say goodbye to my job in higher education.
And quite honestly, I haven't regretted my decision for a second! I have regained energy, enthusiasm and strength and most importantly, I can be myself in my job and I am appreciated again!
Career coaching guide you through the merger
As a career coach, I also often coach people who, due to a merger of their company, have found themselves in a new position where they no longer feel comfortable. They no longer know whether their new position still matches their skills and whether the company still matches their values. Together with them, I look for their career passport and put it next to their current position. I also look with them at what the opportunities are in the new company. Maybe there is another job in the company that fits... Or is it better to leave the ship? And seek salvation elsewhere, or start your own business? Together with you, we will discuss what suits you best.
Do you recognize yourself in this story? Do you also feel that your function has been eroded by a merger and that you need to look for new challenges within or outside the new company? Do you also feel that you can no longer identify with your company and would like to do something about it? We can certainly help you in your search for new energy!