Relocating to a new office is significant for most companies and involves several moving parts. You’ve got to find a suitable professional space, determine which staff can relocate or commute to the new location, and juggle numerous other logistical issues.
But, statistically speaking, the more preparation companies make before a move, the better their chances of finding a successful transition. That’s no small undertaking. Here are tips to minimize disruption and make a smooth relocation to a new office.
1. Maintain Steady Communication
It’s essential to provide continuous communication about the move to all employees. Employees who hear about the move through the grapevine might react negatively. This can impact their routines. Keep your team up-to-date on location, dates, facility features, etc. Encourage them to ask questions to ensure they get the information they need.
2. Offer Staff Incentives
Moving to a new location gives a company a chance to start anew. Investing in upgrades employees would like can go a long way towards obtaining their buy-in.
- Ditch worn-out furniture and replace it with new comfortable and ergonomically correct pieces.
- Upgrade outdated technology to more efficient and user-friendly equipment.
- Offer an upgraded break room or see if the new facility can offer other employee perks.
Offering these and other staff incentives can help boost productivity, efficiency, and morale—all of which can contribute to a smoother transition.
3. Allow Feedback
One of the biggest problems employers sometimes find themselves experiencing is resentment because their employers aren’t transparent enough about decisions that affect them. Communication is a reliable tool to help prevent this type of scenario problems. In addition, allowing feedback from employees helps them maintain some ownership in the process.
- Inform employees sooner than later so they don’t hear through the grapevine.
- Get them involved by allowing them to select new furniture or determine which tech can help them do their jobs better.
- Set up teams to manage different tasks and let employees have some control over various aspects of the move.
Giving employees hands-on opportunities to participate in the relocation goes a long way towards helping the moving process go much easier on them—and you.
4. Hire Professional Movers to Ease Transition
Employees manage many details when their workplace decides to move to another location. They’ll have to consider commutes, costs, daycare, and other arrangements or responsibilities they manage. Team members will appreciate not having the burden of moving boxes, furniture, equipment, supplies, and other items. It’ll reduce the stress factor upon arrival.
Hiring professional movers who know how to perform a safe and efficient move will also help avoid staff injuries. Some employers think it’s cheaper to let their paid staff do the work, but if someone is injured, not only do legal issues present themselves, you could lose a good employee who is no longer able to work.
Get Planning Today
Relocating an office is significant work. To learn more about how we can help ease this transition and make it easier for all involved, contact us today to learn more about our services or obtain a free quote.