How do I prepare my play park’s floor staff for a sale announcement?

Plan the timing. Staff often hear rumours before an announcement, so decide who must know first and when everyone else will. Your lawyer can tell you what you may share and when, since confidentiality terms may apply. Do not announce more than is settled.

Prepare what you will say. Staff want to know whether their jobs, hours, pay and schedules will change. If you can speak to those, do. If you cannot, say so and say when answers will come. The staff turnover guide explains why uncertainty makes people leave.

Choose the setting. A short team meeting followed by one-on-one chats with long-serving staff works better than a group message. Invite questions. Give the buyer a chance to meet the team once the agreement allows, so faces are not strangers. Finally, keep working normally. Hold regular shifts, safety checks and training. Thank people for what they have built, and consider how you will recognize loyal staff. A calm, respectful announcement helps protect the quality guests experience during the transition. Be ready for questions about the buyer, and say plainly what you can share now and what you cannot until the agreement is complete.

Key takeaways

• Decide the timing and tell staff yourself before rumours do.
• Say what you know, what you do not and when you will update them.
• Hold small conversations with key staff and arrange a meeting with the buyer.