It's Moving Day: Tips to survive an office move

Where we work is a key component of how our team members experience their roles. Spaces have the power to inspire us, or demotivate us. And when our teams get comfortable in a particular space, moving can be quite a daunting experience.

In my small business, Brain eBox I had four offices in eight years. The first was a co-working space, the second was my first private office for my team, the next was another co-working space (within which I had two spaces) and then my last move was to join my wife at her practice, where I had an office.

So, let's just say I am an expert mover now :)

Here are some things to consider when moving your office:

1. Pack like a pro. Packing can feel like such a chore. Make it fun by setting time aside with your team where you all pack together. Make the most of the process by cleansing your environment - no point in taking clutter with you. Purge what you can as you pack.
2. Support your team with the change. Explain to your team why the office move is taking place, as well as the potential benefits to them and your team. Then, give your team as much information about where they are moving to. Take them to see the new spot, share the floor plan or any other information that you have that may be relevant. Ask for their suggestions in terms of set-up and incorporate their ideas where it makes sense to do so.
3. Manage challenges 1:1: Chat about the move in your regular 1:1 session, and discuss person-specific challenges with each team member. For example when we moved offices, this impacted one of our team member's travel distances, times and costs, and so as such it made sense to offer a salary adjustment to support the change, as well as a slight shift in working hours.
4. Give your team time to settle into their new space. There is nothing worse than 'living out of boxes' so encourage your team to tackle the unpacking asap. Help them by structuring time for unpacking, exploring and generally getting used to the new space.
5. After a couple of days, get their feedback on little things that can be done to enhance their experience. In your next team meeting, ask the team how they are finding the new space and if any accommodations need to be made for them. Most people don't like asking for things, so really challenge them to do so. Show them that you also have items you would like to add to the list.

For example at one of the co-working spaces, the refreshments shop didn't stock a particular type of beverage that some of my employees enjoyed. I asked the co-working space if they would start stocking it in their shop and they gladly agreed. Another example was when one of my team members was seated at a table where there was quite a glare on her screen at certain times of the day. We were able to get appropriate blinds to rectify this challenge.

These are quick win for all. What quick wins can you support your team to achieve?

6. Do a final check-in. Check in one more time in your next 1:1 to check that each team member is comfortable. Probe to find out how they are doing post the move. How is their new routine? Do they need any additional support? Conclude this conversation by confirming that all is well.

Does it work?

Indeed it does. Moving is a change that impacts your team members. And like any change, you need to lead the change as the leader of your team.

Having been through four office moves in eight years, I can confidently say that these steps work and your team will really appreciate you taking an active interest in their wellbeing in terms of their working environment.

New workshop: INCOMING!

Keep an eye out for my November free workshop where we will cover the topic of:

How to Give Feedback in 3 Simple Steps

Gain Confidence to Facilitate Tough Conversations that Boost Performance.

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