6 Things to Consider When Upgrading to a Larger Office

Moving to a new facility is an incredibly comprehensive task that requires disciplined project planning, excellent communication skills and a deep understanding of business needs. Moves affect the entire organization—and if done incorrectly, these effects have the potential to be more negative than positive. Make sure you’ve given strong consideration to all the variables at play during your major office move.

Consider your current infrastructure

Your workplace relies on many different technologies, processes and stakeholders to properly function. Check on the transferability of all these processes to avoid major delays or drops in productivity.

For example, you may run into issues if your automation systems or IT systems are specially designed for your building’s size and specifications.

Work with your team and partners to transfer any technical systems you have in place, and take the time to test your systems.

 

Refine your perks

Bike storage, in-house catering and amenities like exercise equipment are space-related perks that might be related to your business’ values and policies.

Verify that your new office space—although larger—can preserve (or perhaps add) those features that your employees have come to enjoy.

Otherwise, consider updating your policies to reflect the characteristics of your new office. Overlooking these changes can impact your team’s work dynamics—for instance, your staff may leave the office more often to go out for lunch or snacks.

Prioritize navigation and wayfinding

A larger space provides more freedom to customize your furniture and layout, but navigation can become more difficult if the space is too open or poorly set up for wayfinding. Develop your new office layout with an emphasis on good wayfinding principles (such as clear landmarks and well-structured paths) to make sure your team and clients can quickly adapt to the new space.

Consider the size difference

A space that is larger doesn’t necessarily mean an office will be more comfortable, spacious or accommodating when it comes to your team and inventory. Check the dimensions of your furniture and the space usage of your layout to make sure everything will fit your new space. This is especially important if you’re adding new amenities or furniture based on the increase of your square footage.

Using software that visualizes space can be a game changer here to avoid over- or under-estimating what your space can allow.

Avoid dead space

Larger offices can create a feeling of emptiness if underutilized. Use strategically placed artwork, furniture and office equipment to avoid large stretches of vacant space. It’s important to strike a balance between emptiness and clutter. Large gaps don’t necessarily need to be filled with physical objects; they just need to exist for a reason.

Prepare for major requests

Larger offices yield more ways to use your space. Expect managers, employees and even contractors to have opinions on how your larger office should be used. Your HR department might push for more desks for new recruits while your creative department may request private rooms.

Have a clear idea of what the extra space will be used for or establish an effective request management process to determine what will be done when the move is complete.

Moving to a larger office can be a great decision that provides comfort to your team and increases your space’s versatility. In order to achieve the full benefits of this transition, facility managers should employ a strong project plan and prepare little details in advance.

Photos: Khara Woods, Maria Soledad, Jean-Frederic Fortier, Matt Hoffman, Pixabay, negativespace.co