Tips for Effective Office Move Communication
Understand Employee Contracts
Make sure that any changes to the location of your business will not directly effect staff contractual obligations. It should clearly state in their contracts that the company can change the place of work, as long as enough notice is provided.
Communicate the move early
Don't leave it too late before letting your staff know about the move. As soon as the decision has been confirmed, you should announce the move to staff. If you leave it too late, rumors could start to spread with wrong information that will ultimately affect their morale and may cause uncertainty over the security of their jobs etc.
Have a Communication Plan
Agree with key stakeholders within your organization about how you plan to announce the move to staff, and also how you are going to communicate updates throughout the process. If you are verbally telling them in groups, it's important that your messages are consistent and the same information is being relayed to everyone.
Provide Support Channels
Anticipate what problems or questions may arise as a result of the change in location. If you are moving further afield, you may need to provide one-on-one consultations that address staff concerns such as transport issues and journey time from home to work.
Remain Positive
Whatever your reasons for moving, make sure you reinforce the positives at all stages throughout the move. A change in workplace can be unsettling for staff, but by focusing on the positive aspects rather than what you'll be leaving behind, will help everyone get buy-in.
Use the move to introduce wider changes
An office move is the ideal time to evaluate issues surrounding processes, IT requirements and team structure. There's no better time to implement change than in a new environment.
Don't forget to celebrate
An office move is a busy and stressful time for everyone involved, so don't forget to raise a glass with your staff when it's all over.
The HR Guide to Moving Office contains important information to help you manage staff during a relocation and how to communicate this important change.
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