Moving and stress go hand in hand, but it can be even more complicated when employers and employees can\u2019t experience any downtime between moves. Other situations can further complicate the process, like disorganization and miscommunication between departments.<\/p>
To avoid complications and ensure your office relocation goes smoothly, here are some crucial do\u2019s and don\u2019ts employers and HR should follow before, during, and after the move. <\/p>
Don\u2019t just \u201cfollow your gut\u201d regarding your office relocation strategy. Otherwise, you\u2019ll miss a few key details that will cause you and your team to scramble at the last minute. Create an office move checklist<\/a> that outlines every detail of your move, from start to finish.<\/p> While it\u2019s possible to complete your move in one month with a checklist, you\u2019re going to stress out your workforce. Start planning six months before your big day by contacting moving companies, reviewing your lease, establishing your budget, and assigning a task crew.<\/p> Your employees need to know that their office is relocating elsewhere well in advance. Depending on where you\u2019re moving, it may affect their commute or ability to clear out their desk. Plus, if everyone knows ahead of time, employers can quickly address work\/storage issues.<\/p> Many of your employees won\u2019t have the time, patience, or physical strength to join in on the move. Besides moving their own personal equipment, there shouldn\u2019t be an expectation that your employees should move business property. Hire a moving company for this job.<\/p> Moving offices isn\u2019t directly related to your office generating business, but it still requires a project manager<\/a>. You need someone to transfer utilities, install the phones, pack the equipment, assign parking at the new office and ensure all employees are ready for the move.<\/p> Only tell your employees, project manager, and other vendors (moving company or utility provider) you\u2019re moving until you\u2019ve finalized the date. It\u2019s okay to make mistakes, but if you\u2019re constantly moving the date, your team will have a hard time getting on board with the move.<\/p> Your new office will either be bigger or smaller than your current one. Regardless, it\u2019s unlikely your new office will look the same as your old one. Create a floor plan to know where all your furniture will go. A floor plan will help your movers and employees settle in more quickly. <\/p> A new office gives you the opportunity to update your technology or furniture. If you plan to do this, consider ordering new equipment that\u2019ll arrive at the new office. Throw out the equipment you\u2019ve already replaced on move-in day, as most moving companies can trash items for you.<\/p> Take note of anything that doesn\u2019t look right and clean your new and old space while they\u2019re empty. Ensure you\u2019ve done everything on your checklist and review your budget<\/a>. One week before the move, everything should be accounted for, and moving supplies should be compiled.<\/p> No matter how prepared you are for the move, everyone will be going through a bit of stress. It\u2019s important to keep morale by being helpful and supportive during the process. Once everyone is settled into the new office, throw a party and congratulate everyone for their hard work.<\/p> If your employees are moving overseas, try to empathize with their situation. They\u2019re likely leaving their family and friends. It\u2019s never a bad idea to set international employees up with a buddy, whether it\u2019s a co-worker or another relocated American, that they can interact with.<\/p> It is important to inform customers, employees, and other stakeholders of your new location by updating your company’s website, social media pages, and any other online listings. You should also change your official business address with government agencies and other relevant organizations.<\/p> After an office move, it is important to take the time to clean the new space and reorganize it to make it functional and efficient. This can include tasks such as unpacking boxes, arranging furniture, setting up equipment, and creating an organizational system for files and supplies.<\/p> Having a system in place to track items during an office move helps ensure that nothing gets lost or left behind during the transition. This can include using labels, inventory lists, and marking items with a specific color coding system.<\/p> Having a contingency plan in place during an office move helps to prepare for unexpected events and minimize the potential for stress and disruption. This can include planning for contingencies such as weather-related delays, equipment breakdowns, or traffic incidents.<\/p> Following health and safety regulations during an office move is important to protect workers and ensure a safe and efficient move. This can include following proper lifting techniques, providing proper protective equipment, and observing fire safety and evacuation procedures.<\/p> Taking into account parking arrangements for the moving truck is important to ensure that the move can proceed smoothly and without any disruptions. This includes reserving parking in both the old and new locations and making arrangements for access to elevators and other areas of the building.<\/p>Don\u2019t: Do Everything in One Month<\/span><\/h2>
Do: Communicate With Your Employees<\/span><\/h2>
Don\u2019t: Expect Your Employees to Help<\/span><\/h2>
Do: Hire or Assign a Project Manager<\/span><\/h2>
Don\u2019t: Keep Moving the Move-In Date<\/span><\/h2>
Do: Map Out a Floor Plan<\/span><\/h2>
Don\u2019t: Throw Out Items After the Move<\/span><\/h2>
Do: Review Before Moving<\/span><\/h2>
Don\u2019t: Take Your Stress Out on Others<\/span><\/h2>
What should be done to inform customers, employees, and stakeholders of the new location after an office move? <\/h2>
What steps should be taken to clean and reorganize the new office after an office move? <\/h2>
Why is it important to have a system in place to track items during an office move? <\/h2>
Why is having a contingency plan important during an office move? <\/h2>
Why is it important to follow health and safety regulations during an office move? <\/h2>
Why is it important to take into account parking arrangements for the moving truck during an office move? <\/h2>
Related Articles<\/h3>