So, you’ve outgrown your current office, space is tight, the building layout no longer suits your requirements and the location is far from ideal. But what happens next? Where do you go from here? Which local commercial property letting agent should you contact first?
Office relocation can often seem like a daunting, almost impossible task. But, before you begin, there are certain considerations that you may want to think about to ensure that your office move runs smoothly. Your office space is an investment and you want to be sure your new location provides a solid base for many years to come so don’t take it lightly.
Review, reflect and reassess
Office relocation is the perfect opportunity to analyse current working practices and see if these can be improved through new ways of working. Think about how employees around the business work, the type of work they do, and if they have the space they need to perform their job well.
Before you commit to taking on a new space, think about the type of office you need. Are more collaborative working areas needed, so that staff can brainstorm and create new ideas? Would you like to introduce a new breakout area or a WorkCafé, so that employees can relax and unwind during lunch periods and arrive back at their desk ready to do their best work? Moving offices means that areas can be created for a specific purpose and can be designed for the way your employees work today.
Brand and Culture
An office move is a great time to reinforce your values, culture and brand, both visually around the building and also internally among employees. Think about your corporate identity and if you would like this presented around your building, what messages would you like to portray to visitors entering your building, and what values and culture do you want your staff to adopt? One important point to consider is how you can effectively manage the change with your employees. Remember, an office move is positive, so ensure this is communicated to workers and any resistance to change is managed appropriately.
Communicate, consult and conquer
While this may seem obvious, one area that is often overlooked is the importance of having open communication channels with employees. If you want to ensure that your new office gives all workers the tools they need to do their job well, first you must understand the type of spaces they require.
Consider getting the staff involved by holding workshops and asking staff for their feedback. What do they like and dislike about their current space? What would they change or add to a new office? This creates an open forum and gives project managers a more detailed insight into the type of space needed. If workers feel that their needs and frustrations are listened to, they are more likely to see the move as a positive step to overcoming and conquering current working perils.
Select a partner you can trust
Having the right partner by your side can really make a difference to the overall success of your office move. Speak to other local businesses that you trust, see which partners they have previously selected and who they would recommend. If you have a partner in mind, ask to see Case Studies of previous work, ask for customer testimonials, and ask about projects that they have previously delivered on time and within budget. Your selected partner should be able to spend the time discussing your relocation requirements, offer realistic solutions and present new ideas for your consideration.
Let the good times roll…
So remember, while it may seem like a daunting task, there are an abundance of benefits associated with an office move. From increased staff morale, new and improved ways of working, to portraying the right image to visitors and attracting and retaining the best talents – what’s stopping you? Don’t put it off… We are sure your employees will thank you for it!
If you would like to see a selection of projects we have previously delivered, you can find these in our case studies section.