Is your company office in need of a major refurb? Perhaps it no longer matches your brand and the culture you want to promote to employees and clients. Or maybe you’ve switched to a hybrid working model – one that over half of UK workers demand – and you need to rethink your layout for reduced numbers as a result.
Whatever your reasons for renovating, it’s a job you’ll want to get right first time. Your office can benefit or damage recruitment and business development – and the project likely won’t come cheap either. So, to help you minimise disruption, read five quick tips for renovating your office smoothly below.
Plan the space carefully
First and foremost, your office should cater to your employees and how they work most efficiently. That means factoring in quiet and collaborative areas when planning your layout, as well as considering elements like noise, light and comfort.
Ergonomic furniture is essential in preventing staff absences and lost production, according to the Health and Safety Executive. Avoid skimping in this area if you can.
Listen to staff recommendations
Asking your team what they want and need from an office space will make them feel valued and increase the likelihood that they want to use it. After all, they’ll have a better understanding of their working habits – particularly if you employ multiple departments with diverse focuses.
Assign a project manager
A major office renovation is a lot to manage by yourself, especially if you have no prior experience. You could be working with interior design consultants, construction firms and even IT specialists. Assigning an internal or external project manager will help you keep track of these moving parts while maintaining a keen eye on budget and timelines.
Take care of any relevant admin
There will likely be several admin elements to take care of before renovation work begins. That includes removing and storing your existing furniture where necessary, as well as notifying employees about when their office will and won’t be available.
Taking out construction insurance will give you control over your cover when working with third parties too.
Ask for feedback after completion
Once the work is finished, you might want to sit back and bask in your new environment – but any major renovation project is likely to have some teething problems. It’s important to follow up and ask your team what’s working and what isn’t.
Addressing issues quickly will help your team settle into their new workspace quickly.
Have you considered each of the steps above? With the right planning and project management, your new office could become an asset for your business for years to come.
