Minimizing Downtime: 7 Strategies for a Productive Office Move
The disruption caused by moving offices is substantial. Work interruptions during a move are inevitable, but they should be kept to a minimum. Downtime may be reduced or even avoided with careful preparation and clear lines of communication. Here are seven suggestions for keeping productivity high while moving offices:
1. Plan in advance
Good planning is critical, and it is important to allocate plenty of time to organize everything. Planning and carrying out a standard relocation requires a minimum of three months. Your workplace is unique, which means that your strategy should reflect the needs of your particular business. Draw out a schedule detailing what has to be done, by when, and by whom. If at all possible, build in some slack time so that delays, caused by the unexpected, won’t ruin your plans. Don’t hurry things and make sure everyone on your team has a chance to put their opinions in. These will help you finish on schedule and under budget, as well as make sure no elements are overlooked.
2. Create a backup plan
You cannot always prepare for every possible outcome, but it remains essential to have an efficient backup plan with alternate alternatives. It guarantees that unforeseen difficulties are handled swiftly in order to minimize their influence on the process of moving. Remember that downtime equals lost revenue!
3. Prepare your employees
Communicate with your staff frequently as the relocation progresses. Make sure everyone receives the necessary information and knows what part they will play in the move. Developing a trustworthy method of sharing knowledge is crucial. Your workers have questions and need to be kept up to date. It can be through face-to-face or Zoom meetings, e-mails, intranets, or discussion forums; whatever works best for your organization’s culture.
4. Prepare IT carefully
IT considerations in an office relocation are considerable. Computer servers, internet connectivity, networks, phone systems, and security systems all have to be worked into the plan. Your IT department will be under considerable pressure during this procedure. Everything needs to be wired and hooked up, and ready to go, in accordance with the timetable.
If your IT department is small, you may want to look into hiring outside aid for this phase of the relocation. Taking stock of the tools you already have is crucial. This is a great opportunity to replace any outdated machinery. The new equipment may be sourced, installed, and ready to go before the move if you are aware of what will be substituted along with what will be relocated.
Also, remember to dispose of any outdated machinery correctly. Your electronic garbage will be safely disposed of by a full-service moving company. Moving and installing existing machinery over the weekend will help minimize the unavailability during working hours, as will installing new machinery in advance.
5. Consider moving in several phases
When possible, we often recommend companies relocate in phases. Moving an office may be stressful for a business, but by tackling it a single division at a time, you can keep things running smoothly and prepare for any unexpected difficulties that may come up. Consider a storage rental to help facilitate this phased relocation.
6. Allow as many workers as feasible to perform their jobs remotely.
Many office workers now have the option to work remotely because of the widespread availability of suitable technology. For those who are capable, working remotely eliminates downtime.
7. Move during your business’ slow season
If you have the flexibility to schedule your relocation, the least busy time of year will have the least impact on production. In addition, several Toronto commercial movers provide seasonal discounts in the winter and spring.
If you’re looking for pallets in Vaughan to support your moving or storage needs, consider reaching out to local suppliers or pallet companies in the area. Remember these tips and to make your office relocation a breeze.
