Relocating Staff: Avoid the Pitfalls
Pitfalls to Avoid when Relocating Staff
An office relocation can be very stressful for an organization, and particularly its staff. Many companies planning an office move fail to consider the needs of their staff and end up with a grumpy and unproductive workforce when they get to the new office.
Companies have a responsibility to ensure that the impact an office relocation will have on its staff is minimized, and that staff feel engaged and supported throughout the process, and enthusiastic about what opportunities the relocation might bring for the business.
Make sure you avoid these pitfalls when considering your staff throughout an office relocation:
Announcing the Office Move too late
If you don't announce your office move to staff, once the final decision to relocate has been made, the chances are, your staff will hear about the move from another source and the rumour mill starts to spin!
Unclear and Inconsistent Messages
The reasons behind the office move need to be clear and concise; emphasising the benefits to the business and its staff as far as possible.
Irregular Communication
Staff need to know more about the new office other than just the new address. Try to provide as much information, as regularly as possible (via email, noticeboards or intranet) so that staff know the progress and feel positive about their new environment.
No Forum for Questions or Feedback
An office move is a major change for a business, and also its staff. The location of their workplace can bring about major changes for staff in the way their commute to and from work, childcare considerations and local amenities. Companies who do not provide the right forum for staff to ask questions or give feedback are failing to look out for the needs of their important asset - their staff.
Paying no attention to helping staff settle in
Some companies just expect staff to carry on straight with work when they get to the new office. But staff can quickly feel overwhelmed or disorientated in a new environment, so you need to provide a new office tour of both the facilities and local amenities so that staff feel more secure and welcomed to their new office environment.
For more tips on how best to communicate the office move to staff, download the invaluable HR Guide to Moving Office.
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