Mergers and acquisitions can tank productivity levels. However, if you are well prepared, your team’s workflow doesn’t have to suffer. Use these tips to maintain project efficiency and help your team transition as smoothly as possible.

4 Keys for Increasing Project Efficiency After Mergers and Acquisitions

1. Create a Game Plan

You wouldn’t jump into a complicated project without an established outline, nor should you walk into a merger without a plan in place. It’s essential to have clearly stated roles and guidelines that account for factors such as client services, communication, finances, office real estate, and human resources. Having a roadmap that everyone can follow will lessen the chances of any employee being caught unaware of a new protocol or project.

Additionally, employees can be more efficient when they clearly understand what their role is, both in the company and on individual projects. Indecision and uncertainty regarding roles and assignments on projects also discourage individuals from feeling a sense of ownership over their efforts in a project, leading to reduced performance.

2. Be Willing to Slow Down

The old expression, “go slow to go fast,” holds true when combining workplaces. Mergers can be overwhelming for employees adjusting to the changes taking place. Therefore, when implementing change in the workplace, leadership needs to allow employees time to transition into the new methods.

Although the changes may be exciting, and you’ll be eager to build your new beginning, don’t rush. Establishing a foundation for core systems and company expectations will serve you in the long run. When you have a team of confident employees who have a firm grasp of the processes and procedures of your company will ultimately allow you to achieve a higher rate of efficiency on projects.

3. Culture Is Key

As a leader, it’s easy to become focused on deadlines and projects during a merger to the point where you don’t have the mental bandwidth to create the company culture. While it may not feel important to you at the moment, being intentional about creating a space where employees can express their feelings, both positive and negative, will increase employee satisfaction.

Employees that feel satisfied and tuned in to the company culture are more productive and more likely to remain loyal to their company. Of course, there will always be interpersonal speed bumps during any change in the workplace, but providing employees with the safety to ask their questions and discuss the future will smooth the road to success.

4. Hire Leadership Support

No matter how excellent the leader is, executing an acquisition or merger is a challenging job. The amount of legwork required to successfully bring a company up to speed while maintaining high productivity levels on projects is massive. Therefore, bringing in an outside professional to help throughout the integration process is a wise move. This individual brings additional experience and provides a non-emotional look at projects and workplace issues.

Help your company maintain and improve project momentum by hiring a management consultant. Contact Project Genetics Management Consulting today to see how our experienced leaders can help your company reach its full potential.