Maintaining a productive work atmosphere has become imperative in today’s business landscape. After the havoc of the last few years, businesses across sectors are trying to regain their footing.
COVID-19 made far-reaching changes in how we perceive work. For example, professionals now realize the value of work-life balance and prioritize the ability to work from home. During the lock-down, many businesses shut down or moved to smaller settings. The ripple effects continue. Recently, 2U’s, the Maryland-based edu-tech firm, downsized to a much smaller space in Virginia.
In the new year, with regained confidence, many entrepreneurs are shifting to a fresh office. The existing property may have a sub-optimal layout to match the increased need for collaboration and inter-departmental teams. Deloitte’s 2025 survey on commercial real estate confirms this uptick. Almost 88% of the respondents are confident that their company’s revenues will rise.
So, how can business owners make moving offices as smooth as possible without encountering productivity losses? Here are some actionable ideas to make this transition easier for firms and their workforce.
#1 Keep the Stakeholders Informed
One of the pervasive challenges of moving offices is convincing stakeholders of the rationale for the move. Since shifting can be expensive and cumbersome, senior leaders may sideline it and be apprehensive of its urgency. To overcome this obstacle, plan a discussion with the board to justify the shift.
The discussions must include tangible evidence that the move will improve productivity and the company’s reputation. It should share a detailed plan for the shift, including procedures for hybrid work in the interim. Also, highlight the expected gains in employee interactions or collaboration.
For example, McKinsey notes that after COVID-19, more businesses want high-quality space to encourage office attendance, which has fallen 30% from pre-pandemic levels. A Class B or Class C office space may not be suitable for hybrid work due to its limited support for sophisticated communication technologies.
Sharing these insights with the stakeholders will help them feel confident about the move. They will likely extend support during the shift to simplify logistical challenges.
#2 Prepare Employees to Work From Home
The move to the new space may take a few days, depending on the amount of furniture and electronic items. The IT staff will need time to set up the workstations and other essential equipment. In the meantime, the workforce must prepare to work in a hybrid setting. The preparation will involve getting familiar with digital communication and having self-discipline.
Fortunately, business owners will likely find this easier than before the pandemic. Axios magazine notes that the evolving office environment has changed how people view their work orientations. In fact, it has also affected personal moves, like shifting homes to find more space and affordability. The increased space makes it more convenient to set up a home office.
Some destinations have emerged as favored picks for this changing dynamic. For example, many Washington DC residents are moving to Maryland and Virginia. The former is also a top state for minority-owned businesses. For hassle-free shifting there, you’ll need reliable Maryland office movers to transfer computers and furniture. Depending on your industry, you might have signage, artwork, and other assets.
During the move, the employees can continue to work from home. They can stay assured that their new workstation will bring the balanced vibe they experience in a home office. According to 495 Movers, prioritizing quick furniture installation and special crating/wrapping for breakable items can streamline the process. That way, the employees can resume their normal flow of work quickly.
#3 Plan Business Activities per the Moving Timeline
When moving offices is on the horizon, you should draw up a timeline for business activities that closely consider this. The tasks your employees may be able to fulfill in the coming months may differ from earlier years’ routines.
For example, it is best not to plan new pitches around this time. Arranging client meetings can become a hassle in a disorganized space, with boxes and crates stacked against the walls. Plan town halls and brainstorming sessions for the new office space.
Instead, business owners can use this time to let employees complete pending paperwork, check invoices, and complete routine reports. The specifics will vary by sector, from advertising revenue reports to manufacturing defects in a new product batch. The underlying idea is to have documentation and client relationships in order before the big move.
#4 Acknowledge and Celebrate Employee Dedication
Finally, you are in the new office space. Congratulations! An excellent way to mark the occasion is to acknowledge everyone’s efforts with a team celebration. It could just be a potluck lunch or going out for drinks.
Since shifting spaces can be overwhelming, taking a well-deserved break is a given. However, the need for celebration goes deeper than that. Gartner notes that more professionals now seek personal value from their employers. Around 82% of employees say they want the organization to view them as a person instead of only an employee. This “Human Deal” emphasizes deeper connections and holistic well-being.
In the long run, feeling acknowledged and valued improves an employee’s productivity. It gives people the impetus to work harder, motivating them intrinsically. So, a celebration can be your way of expressing gratitude to the staff for making the move successful.
There you have it – ideas to make moving offices less daunting and more enjoyable. As a business owner, you will feel much better after putting in the extra effort to minimize productivity losses during the change. It will also be good preparation for other significant transitions your company may go through, like a restructuring or an M&A.
