A company acquisition may translate to a change in employee benefits

Q: When I was first hired by my company I was promised a list of generous benefits.  My company was just acquired by a larger firm.  We have been told that many benefits may change as of January 1st.  Rumors are rampant.  I accepted my first role with my current company and benefits were a big part of the reason I accepted the offer.  What can I do?

A: A company acquisition can be a challenge for all involved.  The acquiring company will often strive to integrate the new company.  Often the goal is consistency across the consolidated enterprise.  Policies, procedures and practices will all be reviewed and some change is inevitable.

Few companies have the same benefits year after year, even without an acquisition.  Companies typically assess employee benefits annually right before their annual open enrollment for benefits.  An employer may evaluate utilization, costs and the employment market to ensure that their benefits offerings are attractive to employees and candidates.

Usually there is fine print which may give you a hint that the employer can change benefits at any time. When we write or edit employee handbooks or benefits communications pieces, we often add a statement such as:  “ABC Company reserves the right to modify this handbook, amend or terminate any policies, procedures, or employee benefit programs.”

If you are concerned about possible changes to your employee benefits, it may be wise to raise your concerns now before any final decisions are made.  I would suggest communicating your concerns to your Human Resources Representative in a professional and thoughtful way.

With any merger or acquisition, there is almost always change.  In my experience, it is a mixed bag — some of the changes are a positive for employees, while there are negative changes as well.  Rumors can be unreliable.  It is better to ask a company representative, who has some subject matter expertise, for an update on any upcoming changes.

Pattie Hunt Sinacole is a human resources expert and works for First Beacon Group in Hopkinton, an HR consulting firm. She contributes weekly to Boston.com Jobs and the Boston Sunday Globe Money & Careers section.