Selling your business is a major milestone for any company, and one of the biggest challenges is often keeping the company culture intact. In a recent Human Capital Leadership podcast, our CEO, David Berkal, and Cathy Wassenaar, CEO of NCT Caseworks, shared their thoughts on navigating the cultural impact of an acquisition.

Here are some key takeaways from their conversation:

Acquisitions often bring uncertainty for employees, so it can help to focus on keeping what’s already working—things like your processes, leadership, and brand identity. By keeping changes minimal, your team can feel more secure, and the company culture stays strong.

Giving your team the ability to continue making decisions can help them maintain a sense of ownership and keep the entrepreneurial spirit alive. When employees feel empowered, they’re more likely to stay engaged and motivated.

Being transparent with your team is key to reducing anxiety. Frequent updates and clear communication about your vision for the future can help everyone feel informed and valued, which goes a long way in building trust during a transition.

Help your team see the acquisition as a pathway to new opportunities. Highlight potential career growth, new roles, and professional development programs to help them see this as a positive step forward.

Taking a cookie-cutter approach to integration can harm trust and morale. Instead, emphasize what makes your company’s culture special and make sure the buyer understands the importance of preserving it.

Listen to the full podcast here for more insights on how to protect your company’s culture during an acquisition.