Whether it’s business growth, lease renegotiation, new services or a more remote or hybrid workforce, there are many reasons why moving your business can make sense.
A Fortune/Deloitte CEO survey1 found that 76% of CEOs expect to need less office space in future since the pandemic. As we explored in our article How much office space do you need in 2022-23? many businesses are either refurbishing their existing space to provide more flexibility, or moving to smaller premises to save money and boost productivity.
While many workers enjoy working from home a few days a week, the need for face-to-face interaction is still strong in employees and employers alike.
According to a PwC study2, the top three most compelling reasons employees give for coming into the office are the opportunity to collaborate with their team, be together for moments that matter and to access more advanced technology than they have at home.
It is clear we need to provide compelling benefits to draw our employees back into the office, and an office relocation is the perfect time to be intentional about redesigning your office space.
Here are some factors to consider when relocating your office:
Location, location & location!
The first step is to research and agree on a location that works for your staff, customers, partners and business. When thinking about the best location you need to consider factors such as:
- How easy it is to get to: Are there train stations, buses or other easy public transport options? How frequently do they operate? Is parking available? How long will the commute be for your current employees? Is it easy to get to and from an airport? Is it easy for your clients and couriers to get to?
- Costs: What are the physical relocation costs? What are the costs of doing business in the area?
- Amenities: Is it near shops, cafes, hotels etc.?
- Desirability: Is the area a sought after place to work? Is it likely to attract good talent?
At Vestra, we specialise in office relocation services in Sydney and North Sydney CBDs. Easy to get to by public transport and close to cafes, restaurants, hotels and entertainment, Sydney is a prime office location.
If you need help finding a commercial property to lease in Sydney and its surrounds, get in touch and we’d love to help you narrow down a potential office shortlist and advise you on the suitability of each option. We can also help you work out how much office space you will need.
Planning and design
More than just a place to get work done, today’s offices are becoming spaces to collaborate, engage and promote staff wellbeing to encourage motivation. Before drawing up new plans, take some time to reflect on your current office and identify what’s working and what needs improvement.
It is becoming increasingly important to create a space that attracts workers to come into the office and one that promotes flexible working arrangements. One advantage of an office relocation is that you can create a new space from scratch rather than being confined by your existing space. From games areas and cafes to collaboration spaces and soundproof quiet rooms, the options are almost endless.
Other things to consider in the planning stage are IT and technical requirements, floor plan and layout, growth potential, whether to incorporate existing furniture and fittings, moving logistics and more.
Vestra can help you during the planning and design phase by doing a needs analysis to help you create a functional and efficient space that looks beautiful and represents your brand, as well as maximising space.
Budget for every element
Like any business project it is important to set a budget that allows for all aspects of the project. Beyond simply leasing and construction costs, relocation expenses include related activities such as design, office fitout, moving furniture and equipment, technology, communicating the move to your clients, signage, legal costs and any business downtime.
There are also factors such as operational improvements, reducing your office space and environmental sustainability that can be taken into consideration as part of your office fitout to reduce the costs of running your office in the long term.
A successful renovation is a long-term business investment and the benefits can far outweigh the costs. Experienced office fitout companies can help you set your budget and work within its means.
Communication and project management
Throughout the entire relocation process good communication is essential. Change can be daunting for your employees so it is important to keep them informed, get them involved, address their concerns and keep them updated. They will often have invaluable input on how to best design the office. As well as notifying your staff, it is essential to make sure clients and customers are aware of the relocation, too.
Managing the project itself is equally important and there are a few different approaches. You can engage an architect and project manage the build yourself. Alternatively, you can engage a design and construct company to manage and oversee the entire office fitout for you.
Looking for office relocation services in Sydney?
Just like moving house, moving offices can be stressful. But done well it is a brilliant opportunity to create an office environment that matches your business needs and culture.
Vestra’s experienced office commercial fitouts team offers end-to-end design, construct and office relocation services in Sydney, with end-to-end project management.
We’d love to chat to you more about how we can help you create the perfect office space for your business. Contact us today to arrange a complementary discussion.
References:
- Fortune/Deloitte CEO Survey, October 2020
- PwC, Balancing Act: The New Equation in hybrid working, 2022
