METCALF MOVING BLOG
Engaging Employees During an Office Move
An office move can be challenging for employees, who often become anxious about change and the unknown. Yet, businesses must keep employees engaged throughout the move to maintain productivity and customer service standards.
Here are a few methods for maintaining staff satisfaction and involvement while you relocate your business.
Communicate
One of the best ways to lower anxiety and increase engagement is by keeping employees informed throughout every phase of the move. Develop an internal communications plan as part of your move plan. Consider how each phase of the move will affect employees and design communications to address their needs. Stress the advantages the move will provide for employees.
Your communications plan will include multiple channels to ensure everyone receives and absorbs the message. Channels might include newsletters, Intranet, face-to-face, screensavers, posters, and videos.
Also, allow time to listen to employee concerns, hear their ideas, and answer their questions. Include a human resources staff member on your move team to facilitate the information flow.
As the move draws closer, assemble a “Welcome to the New Area” communications packet for employees. Include information about daycare, banks, restaurants, and gyms near the new site. Include coupons from some of these merchants. Also include information about parking and public transportation.
Prepare information about the new building and any new etiquette or procedures it may require. For example, does the new building have a security guard or entrance code? Also, include information about the location of break rooms, restrooms, and other necessities.
Involve Employees
Employees will remain engaged if they feel included in the preparations. Divide the process into several smaller projects and assign tasks to employees.
Encourage employees to provide input into how they want their office space to look. You could gain this input through surveys or group meetings. Begin by asking what they like and dislike about their current space, then move into their wish lists for the new workspace.
Assign “Move Champions”
Choose one person in each department to be a “move champion.” The move champion should be organized and able to encourage others. The champion will organize tasks such as decluttering and packing. They can also forward any employee concerns to other move team members.
Provide Support On Moving Day
Many moves happen over the weekend, and employees may not be present. However, they’ll want to know how the move progresses; regular updates are essential. Remind employees to report to the new location the next day.
Ensure help is readily available on the first-day employees are present. They’ll become frustrated if their phones or computers fail to work and no one is helping them.
Bringing in food or special treats on the first day may ease some of the anxiety associated with the change and show employees that you appreciate their hard work.
Develop a Post-Move Strategy
Plan to celebrate the move with employees after you’ve successfully moved into the new quarters. Consider a staff party that might include drawings for prizes and great food. Also, gather employee feedback about their new environment and adjust as needed.
Rely on Commercial Movers
Professionals can help your office move go smoothly. Hiring an experienced commercial mover is critical. We’ve helped many companies successfully relocate. Contact us for an estimate today.
