Helping Staff through a Company Relocation
If your company is relocating, you will need to consider how you are going to help and support your staff so that they feel informed, valued and supported throughout the relocation process.
A company relocation can feel like a big change for staff, and change can be unsettling and disruptive. Your job is to inform, reassure and create a positive vibe about the relocation. That way, your staff are more likely to remain productive, support the project and more importantly feel valued enough so that they remain working for your organisation.
Below are some ways you can practically help staff through a company relocation:
Consistent Messages
Companies relocate for a variety of reasons, expansion, downsize, merger, costs or simply the need for a better location. Whatever the motivation is behind the relocation, make sure that your communication to staff is consistent and always create a positive attitude about it.
Provide enough Information
If staff don't know what's going on, they're likely to feel unsettled and a negative atmosphere will soon prevail in your office. Provide as much information about the move as possible, as and when you can. Announcing new seating arrangements, packing schedule, new office facilities and details about new phone systems as soon as you can will help them feel involved and engaged.
Provide a Move Day Schedule
If you are moving and/or packing during working business hours, staff will need to know what's expected of them. Is it "business as usual"? Should staff pack their own desk items? Will there be an alternative location from which to work during the relocation? All this information needs to be provided via email or intranet so staff can alter their work schedule to accommodate the move.
Staff Training
If you are planning on using new technology or communication equipment in the new office, staff need to be familiar with it prior to the relocation. It will help staff to be familiar with it before they get to the new environment and ensure that business resumes seamlessly back to normal following the move.
Manage Expectations
Clear and consistent communication with staff will help to manage expectations and maintain productivity. Don't give any false expectation to staff as this could lead to disappointment and low morale when they get to the new office. Create as many visuals of the new office; including maps, photos, new floor plan, facilities and amenities so that staff have a realistic expectation of what the new office will mean for them.
Announcing and communicating your company relocation to staff is a vital part of any successful office move. It needs to be carefully planned, monitored and evaluated. Use the HR Guide to Moving Office to help you through the key steps of effective communication with staff.
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