HR must shift focus during mergers and acquisitions

If HR wishes to be seen as an essential part of the process during mergers and acquisitions (M&A), then it needs to focus on a new set of skills, according to research.

The research,conducted by Towers Watson, shows that HR teams see the financial aspects of M&A as less important than ensuring cultural alignment, internal communications and due diligence support.

59% of respondents said they had minimal to no impact on M&A related revenue growth, but had a major impact on employee engagement and talent acquisition and retention. 23% listed their business acumen as ‘highly effective.’

Steve Allan, M&A Practice Leader (EMEA) at Towers Watson, said: “The level of M&A activity across sectors and around the world is currently extraordinarily high, so there has never been a better time for HR to carve a niche as mission-critical to deal success.