David Thacker
Office relocation can be a pain. From reviewing leases and floor plans to updating emergency contacts and hiring movers. However, good planning and execution can make it a smoother ride.
Certain headaches can be avoided by just thinking ahead and having a good team at your side. Here are 5 things that will help.
1 Building Your Team
The most crucial part about the move is your team. You’re going to have to rely on them through all the phases of the move. From planning to moving to settling in. You want to choose reliable people who can delegate tasks easily.
Team members should work well together so they can be flexible enough to find solutions to issues that arise. You also want capable people that can step in should you be absent.
2 Planning
Planning should begin at the earliest point at which you know that your office is moving. A good plan will help everything get off to a great start. Your team should be there to help you with this stage.
You will be able to break up large tasks and delegate them among members of your team and give time tables for when things should be done. Having a plan for packing, moving and settling in is really crucial to keep things flowing.
3 Internal Communication
Communication is the key to any endeavor more so, during any office relocation. Open communication between your team, your employees and your clients will make things run smoother.
However, do not overdo it. Determine what people need to know at the right time and let the right time. Too much information can cause confusion and frustration. Your team leaders the most. Employees should talk to their team leaders for any questions that they have. Good channels of communication to make things get done right and on time.
- External Communication
One of the biggest problems moving whether it’s a business or your home is getting there and not having any phone or Internet setup. So, you have to communicate with all parties that help make your business run. That means calling your phone and internet provider to let them know that you’re changing location and when.
Let IT know what types of equipment they need to bring to set up. Make reservations with your moving company that you’ve chosen. Your affiliates, suppliers and local partners need to know about your new address and contact information.
- Settling In
After getting to the new office there might be a slight adjustment. The new layout might cause a disruption in the old workflow. In order to smooth out any kind of wrinkles what you want is clearly defined areas and new phone lists for each department.
During the move, some equipment may have been damaged or lost so do an inventory of what you have in the new place and either order new equipment or try to repair it. There might be different security concerns at the new office so issue new key cards and badge. Since most people spend 80% of their time at their job it might be a good idea to boost morale by throwing an office warming party. I mean come on admit it they deserve it.
All change requires a bit of adjustment but office relocation doesn’t have to be a big mountain size pain. By having a good team, open communication, and great plan all those headaches will be just molehills. Good luck.
