Employee engagement and communication through a merger
The challenge
Two large organisations in the entertainment sector were preparing to merge, creating a significant moment of organisational and cultural change. Both businesses saw the merger as an opportunity to build a shared organisation, while recognising that employees would need clear information and visible leadership throughout the transition.
SenateSHJ was engaged to provide mergers and acquisitions communication support, shaping employee engagement before the merger and helping the organisations prepare for a coordinated launch from day one.
The approach
SenateSHJ developed an employee communication approach centred on a clear narrative about why the organisations were coming together, what would change and what the merger would mean for employees.
Support included strategic advice, corporate narrative and key messages, a detailed merger communication plan, leadership toolkits, FAQs and practical run sheets. SenateSHJ also provided ongoing counsel as issues emerged and communication needs evolved.
A strong focus was cultural integration in the merger, helping employees understand the shared history and future of the combined organisation. SenateSHJ produced a motion graphic video that brought together the stories of both businesses and explained the significance of the merger.
The program supported broader change management through the merger, giving leaders the tools to communicate consistently and creating a clear, respectful experience for employees across both organisations.
The outcome
The communication program was received positively by leaders and employees, with recognition of the professionalism and coordination of the day-one experience.
Employee feedback indicated the approach had created a genuine sense of two organisations coming together. One employee described it as feeling “like a merger, not a takeover”.
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