If your company has grown to the point where you need to relocate to a larger space, it is wonderful news and something to be celebrated. However, as you plan the future of your company, you should be aware that any type of move, no matter how small, can be very stressful for your employees. It will be important to communicate frequently with your staff and keep them informed of all aspects of the move to help things go smoothly. Below are a few items to consider before getting started.
First, try to anticipate the types of questions your staff will have when they hear the news, and put together a list of those questions with their answers to hand out. Some common questions include who will be packing up their offices, what their new offices will look like, what types of furniture and equipment will be in the new office, what else is in the building, and how the move will impact any deadlines they have coming up. Provide the office with a very clear timeline of the move, including the last day to have offices packed, when the movers will be picking everything up, and when your employees can expect to access the new office to start the unpacking process.
Once the initial details are shared, it’s good to keep feeding your staff additional information to build excitement about your new location. For example, you can provide them with information about other tenants in the building. Another idea is to find out what restaurants are in the area for people who like to go out to lunch, and obtain some local carry-out menus for those who tend to have their lunch delivered. As soon as it is possible, schedule times for your employees to visit the new office space and take a tour, so they can start to adjust to their new surroundings.