A survey conducted by energy supplier E.ON has revealed that office relocation is the second most stressful task managers go through. Consequently, 78 percent of companies delay their office move, lengthening their stays in cramped and expensive facilities.
Having a comprehensive office relocation plan is crucial. This typically includes the people in charge of the move, timeline, budget, inventory, and how you will communicate the move to everyone affected.
Moving to a new office should not induce stress, and this article discusses how to prevent that.
Plan early
Commercial relocations require lengthy planning and preparation. Justin Lamontagne, a partner and designated broker for the Dunham Group, said, “The path to relocation started in earnest two full years before our moving day.
“We evaluated critical factors such as our current staff and broker count, financials, office space condition, size and location, market dynamics, growth projections and our company culture and values.”
Lamontagne explained that the assessment allowed them to prioritize requirements and establish concrete action plans, complete with deadlines. ”A periodic, yet consistent, survey of strategic options also helps recognize changing market conditions and resources,” he said.
Name a move manager
Once the initial stages of planning are underway, the next crucial step is to designate a manager for the dedicated relocation committee. Whether this role is assumed by you or delegated to someone else within your company, the importance of a capable and efficient leader cannot be overstated.
The success of every office move hinges on a collaborative team effort. Appointing a project manager with multitasking abilities, exceptional organizational skills, effective communication skills and budget management experience is essential. Effective communication is crucial to keeping the staff informed about the relocation process.
Moreover, the project manager should be adept at working with budgets, from initial cost estimates to tracking expenses throughout the relocation process. As the primary point of contact for the entire relocation process, the manager ensures that the move stays within budgetary constraints, avoiding unnecessary financial strain on the company.
Communicate with staff
Maintaining open communication with employees is a crucial aspect of a successful office relocation. Keep staff members updated on moving plans and schedules, notifying them of important changes and procedures at the new business premise, including the new address, revised phone and fax numbers, new building rules and packing arrangements at the new location.
Employees will need time to make decisions about their job status and plan their moves if applicable. Conducting a meeting at the new location before the actual move allows you to provide a tour of the new workspace and explain the logistics of the move, ensuring everyone is well-prepared.
Leave it to a professional
If the thought of moving office furniture and supplies is still daunting, consider hiring a professional moving company. This is the most straightforward way to transition your business from one location to another.
Professional movers are equipped to handle the heavy lifting, minimizing the risk of injuries to employees or damage to furniture and other items during the move. Investing in a professional moving company not only ensures a smoother transition but also absolves you of liability for potential injuries or damages.
Professional movers experienced in corporate and residential moves possess the necessary equipment and tools for efficiently completing large-scale relocations. This eliminates the need to invest in specialized moving equipment and allows employees to focus on their regular duties.
