Expanding your office space is both an exciting and nerve-wracking time. When you take that jump into bigger things, moving into a bigger space is symbolic of your business’s trajectory. You want to make sure your move goes successfully and that it doesn’t interrupt the flow of business.
Growing pains are to be expected, but if you go into office expansion prepared, you can make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible.
#1 Talk to Your Staff
While the prospect of an office move can be exciting for those at the top, it can also lead to rumors and anxieties among the staff. It’s a good idea to keep them informed about relocation plans and make sure that they feel valued going forward.
Change can be anxiety-inducing, even when it’s exciting. When they feel informed, staff are more likely to get onboard about big changes ahead.
#2 Consider Your Location Options
Ask yourself what’s working with your location and what could be improved? Does your office need more parking space, or are you hoping to move closer to transit options? The location of your office can have a big impact on your staff’s lifestyle, and lifestyle is an important recruitment factor. Shorter commute times have been linked to happier and more productive employees.
Consider multiple location options and weigh the pros and cons of each site. Talk to your staff about how they get to work and how long they commute to make sure you’re making the right move.
#3 Create a Security Strategy
Usually, an office expansion is prompted by recent or expected growth in the size of your team. With so many more people coming into the office, it may be time to create or revisit your security strategy. A great way to start is with ID cards so that staff are instantly recognizable, even in a setting where not all employees know each other.
Companies like Avon Security Products provide ID card printers for organizations that want the freedom to print and program their own PVC ID cards, custom lanyards, and proximity cards. Whether you want proximity cards that electronically unlock doors for secure access, or you just need durable PVC ID cards to visually identify staff, it’s an economical way to improve security in your new office space.
#4 Talk to Your Landlord
When you like the building, and your team finds your current location convenient already, it’s tough to leave it behind. You may not have to move all that far, though. Talk to your landlord about available spaces within the building.
They might be willing to give you a bigger space with similar lease terms, or there may be options to expand within the building without having to move at all. That can save you time and money spent on moving and setup expenses.
Downtown office vacancy rates have been rising steadily, and your current landlord may be willing to go the extra mile to keep your business.
Office expansion is an exciting time for any company. Consider your options, consult with your staff, find out if there are opportunities nearby, and take advantage of the opportunity to revisit your security plans.