With lots of businesses looking to refresh their workspaces, a refurbishment can offer an opportunity to modernise, increase productivity and create an environment suited to the team. Research shows that almost all UK employers with hybrid staff members have encouraged them to return to the office. However, in order for this to happen, it’s important to design an employee-friendly zone. In many cases, this means renovations are needed, which can easily disturb the company without proper preparation.
If you’re updating your facilities soon, keep disruption to a minimum by following these steps.
Choose the firm to handle the project
Various professionals offer different service levels, so you should find one that meets your specific requirements. Be clear about your budget, timeline and ideas, and guarantee they have experience in workplace transformations.
When evaluating potential contractors, look for ones with a strong portfolio and provide end-to-end fulfilment, from design to completion. It’s also a good idea to ask for references and check reviews from previous clients.
Finally, ensure they’re fully licensed and insured and can align with any regulations your building may have.
Inform staff
Early engagement can manage expectations and reduce anxiety about the changes. Make sure to inform your employees well ahead of any major disturbances and provide regular updates on the progress.
One sensible solution during a refurbishment is to relocate to a coworking space. This means operations can continue without much interruption. Alternatively, let the team complete duties remotely for a short while. Research suggests this could contribute to increased productivity.
Clear everything out
While this can be daunting, it’s an opportunity to declutter and rethink your layout. If you have limited storage, renting shipping containers can be a practical solution for any items you want to keep.
You could also donate or recycle old décor or IT equipment. Some charities and schemes can help you dispose of unwanted bits responsibly, reducing waste and potentially cutting removal costs.
Select the right furniture
When picking furniture, think about flexibility and comfort. Ergonomic desks and chairs are a must, as they can support the health and wellbeing of those who spend long hours at their computer.
Consider modular options, which can easily be reconfigured depending on your needs. This allows you to create zones that can evolve as you grow or as new working patterns emerge.
Plan your move-in
Start by conducting a thorough inspection to ensure everything is up to standard. Check that all services, such as internet and phone lines, function correctly to limit downtime once your teams return.
Develop a move-in schedule that minimises disruption, ideally planning the transition over a weekend or the holidays when the office isn’t in use. Assign a project manager to oversee and delegate tasks to different people to get all items packed, transported and set up efficiently.
Photo credits: Coworking London