Employee Relocation Management: adjusting to life in the new office
Employee Relocation Management
Moving to a new office can be an exciting prospect for your staff: a new environment, new furniture, amenities and facilities can all help reinvigorate performance, increase productivity and improve staff morale. Yet at the same time a change in workplace can also be disruptive: some staff will have no problem at all settling in to their new environment, whilst others may find it unsettling and take longer to adjust to the new office.
To help your workforce settle in quickly, maintain productivity and minimise any disruption to business after the move, there are some preparations needed prior to the move to ensure all your staff adapt well to their new environment as quickly as possible.
Seating Arrangements & Space Plan
Discuss the new seating arrangement with staff well in advance of the move so that any concerns can be addressed early on.
Top tip: Discuss the seating plan in small teams, this way, staff are more likely to speak up in smaller teams if they are unhappy about where they are sitting.
New Technology Equipment
Many companies choose to upgrade their phone systems or computers when they move. It's the ideal time to re-think your technology requirements and upgrade to the latest technology to help you operate more efficiently.
Top Tip: Make sure you provide training to staff on any new phone system or IT equipment prior to the move so they are familiar with using the new features and are confident transferring calls.
IT Relocation
It is critical that your IT and phone systems work correctly from day 1 in the new office. If you are moving over the weekend, use Saturday and Sunday to fully test all equipment and troubleshoot any issues before staff arrive.
Top Tip: Have your IT Relocation Company available on site on day 1 to address any issues that staff have, that may not have been tested.
Local Map
Staff may need help orientating themselves with the local surroundings and amenities, particularly if the new office is located some distance from the previous one.
Top Tip: Provide a map of the local surroundings so that staff can orientate themselves in the first week. Include things like sandwich shops, pubs, post office, supermarkets and local gyms.
Celebrate
Host a lunchtime drinks celebration in the new office to thank everyone for the hard work they put into organising the office move. This will also help staff feel valued and celebrates this important landmark in your company’s development.
Top Tip: Consider hosting a new office party where you can invite clients, suppliers and new neighbouring tenants to showcase your new office.
There are many ways you can help ease the transition for staff. The HR Guide to Moving Office is packed full of tips to assist you.
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