If your company is moving offices, you know there is a lot to consider, such as office furniture, IT equipment, and staff who work from this office. In this post, we will be highlighting all the staff considerations when moving office so that it is as seamless as possible.
Significant Staff Considerations When Moving Office
Employee Resistance to Change
At Office Clearance London, we believe employee resistance to change is one of the most important considerations when moving office. Staff may be reluctant to change offices for logical, psychological, and sociological reasons.
Logical and rational reasons
Employees may resist change because it will take time to adjust, the new office may be less desirable, personal financial changes, or question the purpose and value of the move.
Psychological and emotional reasons
Some employees may resist changing offices because of psychological and emotional reasons. These could be the fear of the unknown, they have a low tolerance for change, dislike the individual who initiated the change or do not trust them, or they like the status quo and the sense of security it offers.
Sociological reasons
Lastly, some employees may be resistant to changing offices because the team dynamics may vary. They may lose friendships with colleagues and even friends outside of work if the office is in a location requiring relocation.
Ways of Managing Employee Resistance to Change
Employee Travel Changes
It is unlikely that your office move is one floor to the next, so you will need to consider your employees travel changes. Some employees may have to change the method of commute, perhaps from public transportation to a private vehicle, or vice versa. In addition, the time of their commute may change as well as the cost. Therefore, it is essential to consider whether your company will offer support such as starting later and leaving earlier, an interest-free loan for train tickets or a car, or perhaps contributing to the cost of petrol for the additional miles.
Employee Relocation
Depending on how far away your new office is from the current location, employees may need to relocate. This can be a very stressful time for your employees and their families, so it is important to consider a few ways the company can support them. For example, additional annual leave days to pack and unpack and cover the cost of a removal company.
Alterations to Employee Contracts
Regardless of the distance of the new office, you will need to redo the contracts for staff who are not made redundant. This is because their contracted office address will change, and it must be reflected on their contract.
Employee Redundancies
Some employees may be made redundant if they refuse to work from the new office location as the tasks at the current office will not exist. However, if your company is willing to allow staff to work from home, it ought to be an option for valuable employees.
There is a great document that highlights other great steps that can be taken to encourage your employees to accept the office move. Alternatively, get in touch with us to pack, transport and set up your office equipment from the old office to the new one: Office Moving London.
