An evaluation of pathology laboratory workforce performance during mergers and acquisitions

The effects of laboratory mergers and acquisitions on the clinical performance of its workforce remain largely unknown. This study examined laboratory professionals’ work engagement and productivity, and investigated the role of social support as a moderator during mergers and acquisitions. A 51 question on-line survey was designed to cover demographics, work engagement, productivity, and levels of social support. A sample t test was used to measure work engagement levels between laboratory professionals with higher social support to others with lower support. The finding that laboratory professionals with higher levels of social support are more engaged and productive at the workplace has important policy implications for leaders managing laboratories in times of mergers and acquisitions.