When do you inform your employees that your office is moving?
Employees are the backbone and engine of every company. The employee culture can make or break any company, big or small. Moving is a very stressful and unsettling event especially if it’s at your place of work. It is a known fact that moving is the third most stressful event in a person’s life exceeded only by death and divorce.
An office move or plant relocation can affect your staff in more ways than the obvious. For example: commute distance, worries of staffing requirements, pay cuts, business overhead issues, change in work hours, just to name a few. Therefore, best practice suggests that you communicate early and often with your employees as you start your process to find your new building or space. Yes, even before contracts are signed. Think of it as a campaign with your employees. The key is to set and control a positive tone with your employees while setting their expectations.
Moving an office can and will be an exciting time for everyone. We’ve discussed the fears, but let’s accentuate the positives. For most of us a new workplace is a good thing whether you are growing or downsizing, the positive vision of change, a new environment, a new routine, etc.
HR plays a very important role in ensuring that everyone is regularly updated. Good clear communication is key and ensures that your employees have an outlet to voice their concerns. Caution do not allow a bitch session. The more informed they are and feel like they are in the know, the greater your success.
There are also certain contractual obligations, that as employers, you must adhere to. You may have an existing mobility clause within your employment contracts, so check into them before signing any leases or building commitments. See the HR & Employment Law Checklist for more detail. Seeking professional legal support will help you address any of these issues surrounding an emplacement law and your obligation as an employer.
Finally, getting your staff involved with the office move is a great way to boost morale and get vital input for your workforce. They have great ideas about office design, lay out, process flow, prioritizing what needs to move when in conjunction with running your business. But you’ll never know unless you ask. You might be surprised at all the good input and information you’ll receive and it’s a great way to get everyone to buy in. So, make sure you communicate early, often and get your employees involved from the start. Make it their move, not something they have to do.
Steve Komorous
President
King Office Services
www.kingofficeusa.com