What businesses want from their office has changed over the last few years and is going to keep evolving in the future. That has caused many companies to consider an office relocation. Such a move brings challenges, from the basic logistics to the consideration of what you and your employees want from a new office space.

This process can cause stress and uncertainty. However, by bearing in mind our top tips for developing an office relocation proposal, you can make this complex process a lot easier.

Step 1: Know what you want

Before you look at costs, the logistics of moving or anything else, you need to assess why you are moving and what you want in your next office. For example, you might be moving because hybrid working limits how many people are in the office each day and you are now paying for a large amount of wasted space. In that case, looking for a flexible office that grows with you and allows you to take only the space you need from month-to-month might be the best option.

Or maybe you are targeting a new customer base and want to move to the area, or test the waters by opening a new branch? If this is the case you might be considering a smaller space to begin with that you can flexibly scale up at a later date without overcommitting initially.

Maybe you have looked at your current office and decided that it does not offer enough to attract the best employees to the business. A new space with social, wellness and relaxation amenities could offer exactly what you need to do so.

Step 2:  Define your budget and understand the costs

Relocating your office will always require some investment of resources, whether that is money, time or both. It’s important to define your budget and understand what the costs will be in a new space once you begin looking at potential relocation spots. The last thing you want is to get this wrong and face a range of unexpected costs.

How much will the rent be at a new office? What will the fit-out cost? Do you need to pay extra to access amenities and facilities on site? What will utility bills cost in comparison to your current office?

The answers to these questions will differ depending on the office, but there are some spaces which offer certainty. Serviced offices to rent like those offered by FigFlex are all inclusive. One cost covers everything and all managed by us. We operate on a simple per-desk pricing model no matter how big the company, providing ready-to-move-in spaces which are fitted out and give you access to a range of amenities and facilities from the second you arrive.

Step 3: Notify your employees

Once you have looked at office spaces, made your decision and signed the contracts, it is time to notify your employees. There will always be teething problems as people’s routines and journeys change – but choosing the right office can help to minimise these.

For example, choosing a space that has good access to road, rail and other transport links will make getting to the new office as simple as possible. If you can minimise disruption to people’s lives then everyone benefits and uncertainty will be reduced.

Choosing the right office space can also be a source of celebration for employees. Who wouldn’t want to move to an office with landscaped gardens, a gym, restaurant and more? Or a newly refurbished space with state-of-the-art facilities that is at the very top of the market and a clear upgrade on their previous work environment?

The best time to start looking is now

Whatever your reason for relocating the office, the best time to start thinking about it and looking is now. Work out what you want, what the costs will be and what your employees need – then start developing your office relocation proposal!

Want to learn more about our available office spaces? Get in touch with the team today.