Considering a Big Workplace Change? Here Are Three Tips to Ensure a Smooth Transition

In today’s competitive marketplace, companies recognize that using real estate as a tool to enhance productivity, attract and keep the best employees, and engage with their team and customers is a worthwhile endeavor. But this often requires significant changes, like a move to a metropolitan area, or an overhaul to your team’s workspace. When implemented properly, this transition will motivate employees and push them to continue to evolve. Here are some tips to ensure your transition is a smooth one.

Do your homework

• When determining whether to move your workplace, it’s best to avoid making a rash decision. Instead, put pen to paper and create a pro and con list. There’s something to be said about seeing the options right in front of you.
• Ask your employees and key stakeholders to give their input. Showing that you value their opinion is not only respectful, but it’s a great way to see things from a different perspective.
• Consult the experts. Certainly you know other people who have transitioned their companies to a new workplace. Ask them about their experience and see what they’d recommend. Also, talk with experts who know the market you’re looking into.

Give and take

• When moving to a new building, there are bound to be changes. If you have to take away an amenity that’s valuable to your employees, consider a way you could offset costs. For example, if you’re moving into the city from the suburbs, consider providing a program that offsets transit and parking costs.
• Are some employees losing their offices when you move to a new space? Provide a space that gives them the same comforts they used to have, like a community room or collaboration space. You could even implement a program that allows staff to work from home on occasion.

Keep communication open

• Don’t wait until the last minute to solicit input. Instead, encourage others to give feedback, and provide some yourself.
• Explain your intentions in full from the beginning. Be clear as to why you’re choosing to make this move and make sure your team understands what’s going to happen next.
• Make it visual. Your words are valuable, but illustrating your plans with multimedia will help carry the message.
• When announcing changes, make sure to explain how your company will evolve with this move. Emphasizing growth potential will inspire your team to look forward.

As always, be sure to consult a real estate advisor that you trust to help navigate each stage of the process.