How Intranets can Streamline Internal Comms during a Merger

Mergers don't just combine assets and debts; they also join together different cultures, operations, and management styles. If your company is merging with another, consider using an intranet for communication. An intranet is more than just a communication tool. 

During times of significant change, an intranet can be a valuable tool for keeping employees informed and connected. It can help streamline communication, collaboration, and ensure that everyone is on the same page. By utilizing an intranet, you can facilitate a smooth transition and maintain productivity throughout the merger process.

Let's dive into how an intranet can help with internal communication during a merger.
 

1. Identifying Communication Barriers
   The first step in any merger involves surveying the landscape and recognizing the obstacles. When you identify the existing barriers, you can begin to create an internal communication strategy to address the issues. You might find communication barriers in these common places: differences in terminology, varied information flows, and conflicting administrative processes.

2. Cultural Differences and Information Silos
   Different corporate cultures often abide by unspoken codes of conduct or processes for how they share information. When suddenly asked to merge, these differences can quickly turn into gaping chasms. 

    

3. Make a Path for Transparent, Seamless Communication During Transitions
   Clear, timely communication holds immense value in the uncertainty of a merger. Employees need to be informed, reassured, and guided through this transformation. This is where a robust internal communication strategy can be invaluable.
    

How to Pitch an Intranet to the C-Suite

Download our free guide for Comms Leaders to learn how to build the business case for a new intranet. 

Intranet platforms are crucial for effective communication within a company. They help address employee concerns and set the stage for future success. 
 

Centralizing Communication to Ease Transitions

An intranet acts as a lighthouse serving as the single source of truth during waves of confusion. This centralized location helps organize company wide information, ensuring that employees are on the same page.
 

For instance, in the case of Just Eat Takeaway.com, their new intranet platform was central to overcoming communication hurdles. The intranet was a shared space for employees from both companies to access merger-specific information, updates, and corporate news. This helped ensure that everyone was on the same page and well-informed.
 

Just Eat Takeaway's intranet helped break down information silos and cultural barriers. It fostered open dialogues and created connection points. It also encouraged employees to engage, share, and collaborate with new colleagues.
 

Easing Tensions from Combining Company Culture, Processes, and Resources
 

From HR protocols to IT systems, intranets act as a conduit in harmonizing operations post-merger. They can help smooth the transition by serving as a hub to find updated policies, training, and company resources.

For example, Stellantis was formed through a merger between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Peugeot. They utilized their Lumpps intranet to create a community and enhance communication within their workforce. This helped employees connect with each other and share information more effectively.

Stellantis utilized their intranet as a unified communication hub to share company information, create community, and emphasize engagement and peer-to-peer interaction. Read about the best practices learned from Stellantis.
 

Going Through a Merger?

Download this guide on how to create an effective M&A communication plan, including a case study from a successful food delivery company.

It's not enough to have an intranet; it's about having the right intranet. 

One size doesn’t fit all, especially in the context of mergers. An intranet must offer flexibility in communication channels to fit the diverse requirements of teams within the organization. It provides a tailored experience that respects the individuality of departments while reinforcing the unity of the larger entity.

Feature #1: Customizable Communication Channels for Different Teams and Departments

LumApps excels in fostering community spirit within an organization, particularly through its community spaces feature where employees can connect, share, and collaborate.  These "virtual water coolers" allow employees to gather in groups based on common interests, hobbies, or professional development themes.  Whether it's a book club, a group for pet enthusiasts, or a wellness community, these spaces improve employee interaction and a sense of belonging. 

You can also use community groups to help new employees begin to make connections. Plus, you can use the community group function to introduce news teams to their working groups. Plus, this sense of community will contribute to breaking down silos and encouraging innovation.

Feature #2: Collaboration Tools to Foster Team Integration

An intranet helps employees from different companies work together on projects and collaborate in an online space. With real-time communication and file sharing, teams can work together seamlessly, regardless of their physical location.
 

Feature #3: Knowledge Bases for Sharing Important Documents and Updates

A merger requires lots of information and updates pouring in from various corners. But an intranet can serve as a knowledge base to pull it all together.

An intranet is a place to build a knowledge sharing culture. Employees can access resources from other teams or departments quickly and easily, leading to a more informed workforce overall. Plus, an intranet helps resolve confusion since it houses updates, timelines, and information about the new company's vision.
 

Feature #4: Microlearning and Video Announcements
 

In the intricate dance of merger communications, video announcements can be a profoundly effective tool. Some topics are easier to explain through videos, which can simplify complex information with empathy, clarity, and a personal touch.
 

Video is a powerful tool for leaders to directly convey sincerity and vision. Another way to use video during mergers? Try microlearning to help employees learn about the new company's product, mission, and vision.
 

Microlearning involves delivering short learning modules that employees can consume in a matter of minutes. Short training videos are helpful for employees who are constantly on the go and have limited time for training. Employees can easily fit training into their busy schedules because of this flexibility to listen to the videos on the go. This makes it easier for them to incorporate training into their daily routine.
 

The LumApps Learning feature is an interesting solution to help employees learn about the new  employees, and nuances of the new company culture, values, and procedures. This approach helps streamline the onboarding process so employees quickly become familiar with the new product or team culture. 


 

This is where internal comms leaders can really flex their muscles - combining internal communication strategy with technology. Here are some strategic moves to ensure your intranet carries its weight in the process.
 

1. Engage Employees from Both Companies Early and Often
    

   Employee buy-in is pivotal. Gather employee feedback so you know which topics to address and can bring common concerns to executives. Engagement must be collaborative, building the merger story together rather than broadcasting it from above.
    

   2. Develop a Clear Communication Strategy Using the Intranet
    

   A strategic internal communication plan should be in place, with the intranet serving as the vehicle to share information. Consistency in the messaging and approach across the intranet platform is the linchpin of this strategy.
    

   3. Encouraging Cross-Company Collaboration Through the Intranet Platform
    

   The intranet should encourage interaction, dialogue, and collaboration between teams of the merging companies. Consider organizing collaborative projects within the intranet.

Conclusion: Choose a LumApps Intranet as the Beating Heart of Your Merger
 

Investing in a robust intranet platform is a proactive step towards ensuring the success of your new company.  No matter which collaboration suite or how many intranets you need to consolidate, LumApps can help.
 

Ready to see how LumApps can support your team?  Book a demo meeting now.

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