You meet each other
The question 
We are going to merge with three offices in North and East Netherlands. Our staff are spread over eleven branches. We want this process of change for our staff to pass off as clearly and transparently as possible. In addition, we also expect media attention for this merger. How can we prepare ourselves properly?
The answer 
We drew up a comprehensive communication and PR plan. The point of departure for the internal change: “You meet each other”. Physically this happens infrequently between employees. We created many meeting moments that generated interrelationships between the branches, between the management and the work floor and between the press and the client.
The result
We launched a special staff magazine about the merger. Staff were actively involved in this. We organised a large merger party at a central location. For business contacts and press, we officially celebrated the merger by inviting the four founders of the offices and Roger van Boxtel (chairman of Menzis, one of Tijhuis’ biggest clients) on an aerial platform to unveil the new name. There was wide media coverage. As a follow-up project, we set up a quarterly business contact magazine.
