If you are thinking about relocating your business’s office, several people can help ensure it goes to plan. There is yourself, of course, especially if you plan it properly. There are third parties related to your business, such as utility companies, commercial lawyers and so on, plus the all-important office removalists who are essential for a stress-free move.
A group of people who are every bit as important are the ones you see every day, and they are your employees. If, as a business owner, you realise that your employees can play a positive role in your office relocation and act upon that realisation, your move to new premises should be a huge success before, during and after it takes place. Let us look at how you can make that happen.
Start With Openness And Honesty
Being open and honest with employees is something which you should be in all circumstances. However, it is even more important when it is an office relocation that is in the pipeline. You should discuss the relocation from the outset, stating why you think it should happen, and ideally, those reasons should be positive.
Outline what your plans are, and also do not be afraid to highlight some of the negatives that could occur, such as temporary disruption to the business, and your employees having to seek alternative ways to travel to the new office.
Seek Their Input And Ideas
To get the maximum buy-in and support from your employees for the office relocation, you must give them as much input into the move as possible. That can include their suggestions for the type of offices you should move to, what locations would be suitable, and also how they believe the planning and implementation of the move can be made the best they can be.
If your employees have as much say in the relocation as possible, they will be more inclined to want it to go smoothly and as such, willing to offer support above and beyond their usual duties.
Update Employees Regularly
Nothing makes people more concerned than if they feel they are being left in the dark so let them know of any updates and the progress being made. This can be in the form of emails and bulletins as well as in meetings when you gather the staff. These meetings should also allow further employee input, which can bring up some excellent ideas for improving your relocation arrangements.
Utilise The Skills And Experience Your Employees Have
There are many tasks to complete for successful office relocation and you should not be the one doing them all. Instead, ask for help from your employees and seek to delegate tasks to individuals best suited to doing them. Do not demand this, as many are out with their job description, but instead discuss them in terms of them helping and supporting you to make the relocation less stressful and disruptive for everyone.
Reward Them For Their Support
Once you have settled into your new office, it is time to thank all your staff or their support with your office relocation by rewarding them in some way. This can take any form you wish but ideas include gift vouchers, an extra day of paid leave, a night out on you, or even a one-off bonus in their next monthly salary.
