How to Prepare to Train Your Employees During a Merger or Acquisition (cont.)

How will your training be delivered? The challenge of training multiple audiences simultaneously would likely benefit most from a blended learning solution. Instructor-led training is best used for hands-on processes, such as learning a new software system, while web-based learning serves as an excellent platform for the reinforcement of cultural norms and to access geographically-dispersed populations.

Do you have the trainers? Internal trainers may be qualified to train employees; however they may not be available and they will likely need to be on the receiving end of some training themselves. The use of experienced and reputable external contract trainers to design and deliver the training will provide neutrality and expertise, resulting in a stronger likelihood of employee buy-in.

How much time do you have? This is probably the most important question to ask. If time is of the essence, then the use of an external firm to facilitate your training program will provide a more timely and cost-effective rollout with a large team of local, geographically diverse external trainers, while also ensuring that the training program is delivered optimally and in a timely manner.

Mergers and acquisitions can be a manageable experience for employees if they feel they were communicated to effectively and were provided with the proper training to facilitate new processes, policies or procedures. Especially in situations where customer satisfaction is the key to success, it is critical that employees, the implementation of the overall plan will likely be more strategic, with a more smooth integration of the merging companies.