Doing some planning and preparations for an office move is excellent, and it will remove a lot of stress from the relocation process. However, in your eagerness to get everything ready to go, be careful not to forget about one key aspect - getting your staff prepared for the move.
You might be excited about the pending office move as it could be a sign of expansion or some other exciting business change. However, your staff might not be quite so enthusiastic about the relocation. In general, people don't particularly enjoy change as it usually means moving beyond their comfort zone. Therefore, preparing your staff for the move can be the difference between having a smooth relocation or a nightmare move. Following these tips will help.
1. Keep Your Staff Informed
You cannot do much worse than keeping your staff in the dark about a pending office move until the last moment or letting them hear through informal sources. As soon as you've decided to relocate your offices, you should communicate your intent to your staff, to give them as much time as possible to prepare mentally and physically.
Remember, an office relocation could affect your employees' commuting or childcare arrangements. Explain the reason why you are moving offices, and try to get buy-in from them. Also, you must clarify any potential impact your relocation could have on their jobs.
2. Produce a Relocation Timeline
Try to eliminate any uncertainty or speculation about the move by producing an office move timeline. Include all key milestones in the planning and preparations for the move. Also, include the day or days you will move, although these days will likely have an individual, more detailed timeline issued as plans get firmed-up.
Continue your timeline beyond the moving day, so your staff can visualise the point at which they'll be operating in their new offices. Maybe consider including a 'house-warming' event at the new location and stick that at the end of your timeline. Everyone looks forward to a party, right!
3. Get Your Staff Involved
If you can get your staff involved in the office relocation, they'll be more ready to accept it. Rather than being a process that is happening to them, get them involved and take ownership of certain aspects of the move.
Consider setting up an employee relocation committee. They can provide feedback on the process, and they can liaise with management to give input. They will also provide you with an excellent communication channel regarding the move.
The new office's design and layout is an ideal aspect in which to get your staff involved. Remember, they are the people who have to work in the office space every day, so take their ideas on board - within reason, of course!
4. Get Decluttered and Organised
Your move is an ideal opportunity for you and your staff to get rid of a load of clutter you don't need. The prospect of moving into a clean, tidy, decluttered, and organised space should inspire your staff.
You may have to give your team some time off from their regular tasks to have a proper declutter and clear-out. You'll also have to provide them with plenty of materials to pack up the personal stuff they're taking to the new location. The more organised they are on leaving the old offices, the quicker they'll get back to full-speed operations in the new one.
Conclusion
Getting buy-in from your staff will not only ensure your office move is successful, but it will keep your people happy. If you need any assistance with a pending office move, please call one of our experienced removal specialists today.