Seamless culture integration for mergers and acquisitions
Different helps teams integrate the best aspects of each culture to form a unified, energized workforce during and post merger or acquisition. Through our co-creative approach, we work alongside key partners from across your organization to build a new path forward—one that reflects the values, goals and best ways of working of both organizations. The result? A culture that feels inclusive, cohesive and designed with everyone in mind.
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Capture the full benefits of M&As by building a unified culture.
Culture integration is a critical element of any merger or acquisition. Without it, organizations risk losing talent, decreasing engagement and struggling to align on shared goals. We help you avoid these pitfalls by co-creating a unified culture that honors the best of both organizations, while aligning employees around a centralized vision. This seamless integration fosters collaboration, innovation and alignment—ensuring your organization is set up for long-term success.
Culture integration is critical for successful M&As
Mergers and acquisitions (M&As) can be powerful growth drivers, but without effective culture integration, they often fail to achieve their full potential. In fact, 70% to 90% of M&A deals fail, with cultural misalignment being one of the primary causes.[1]
Moreover, up to 30% of mergers fail entirely due to unaddressed cultural incompatibility.[2] Differences in decision-making processes, communication styles and organizational values can create friction, lowering employee morale and engagement. Employees today prioritize well-being, flexibility and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) more than ever, making culture alignment critical for retaining top talent.
Organizations that effectively manage culture during integration are 50% more likely to meet or exceed their financial and synergy targets.[3] By prioritizing culture integration, you not only retain key talent but also foster alignment, innovation and long-term success. Ensuring that culture integration is at the forefront of your M&A strategy will help your organization thrive post-transaction.
A comprehensive culture integration solution co-created with you and for you
Our comprehensive culture integration solution combines the best of our culture assessment, strategy and learning and development offerings for an adaptive and agile approach. We use data-driven culture assessments and strategy sprints to identify what works and what needs to evolve, while our tailored training programs equip your leaders and teams with the skills they need to thrive in the new culture. Together, these solutions create a seamless, inclusive integration that energizes employees and drives better business results.
Our efficient, effective and sustainable step by step process
Culture Mapping, Assessments and Diagnostics
We begin by conducting thorough assessments and culture mapping across both organizations to identify key differences, potential friction points and shared values. This diagnostic phase helps pinpoint areas that require focus and allows us to tailor the integration strategy accordingly, ensuring smoother alignment early in the process—not months or even years down the road.
Co-Created Culture Integration Strategy
Next, we bring key members from both organizations together to co-create a unified culture strategy. This involves defining shared values, desired behaviors and ways of working that reflect the best of both workplaces. By involving key players in the strategy development, we ensure faster buy-in and foster a sense of shared ownership over the new direction.
Leadership Training and Development
We then focus on leadership alignment by offering training programs designed to equip leaders and managers with the skills needed to manage diverse teams and foster collaboration. By preparing leaders to model and embody the new cultural vision, we ensure they are equipped to drive the integration process forward.
Employee Engagement and Feedback Mechanisms
Throughout the process, we actively engage employees by facilitating listening sessions and establishing feedback loops. This ensures that employee concerns are addressed in real time and that the integration process remains inclusive and responsive to their needs. Continuous feedback allows for real-time adjustments and helps maintain momentum and engagement.
Book a free 30-minute consultation for one of our experts to discuss your goals.
Explore our related resources
Informative Insights
Agile Methodology in DEI: Accelerating Change with Flexibility and Speed
Free Downloadable Guides
5 Top Reasons DEI Efforts Fail: And What Your Team Can Do to Be Set Up for Success
On-Demand Webinars
Co-Creation as a Catalyst: Accelerate & Amplify The Impact of Your DEI & Culture Efforts
Partner with our experts to drive real results
At Different, we don’t believe in pushing a square peg into a round hole. Instead, we imagine the possibilities together with you, creating a culture integration process that is seamless, inclusive and designed for long-term success. Let us help you turn your merger or acquisition into an opportunity for growth, innovation and stronger alignment.
“Alex at Different is a powerhouse. They possess an uncommon combination of intellect, vision, and empathy that serve as the foundation of their work. They served as a trusted field guide for our leadership team as we worked to enhance our DEI strategy and build deeper trust across our entire company. The results of Alex's work have been transformational for our staff and culture. Alex has a deep understanding of DEI and organizational theory. They are not afraid to speak the truth, but their approach is tactful and supportive. This builds trust with key stakeholders and accelerates the decisions you need to make.”
Tim Hartman, CEO at GovExec
Book a free 30-minute consultation for one of our experts to discuss your goals.