If you’re reading this blog, you’re about to make a big decision. It’s the kind of decision that can significantly impact your company’s productivity, employee satisfaction, and bottom line. With that in mind, let’s explore the pros and cons of each option. You’re in safe hands with AMH’s advice; as our values showcase we’re a team that’s experienced, committed to understanding and meeting your needs and, above all, principled. We’ll start with relocating.
Moving to a New Location
Relocating, moving to a new location, however you choose to refer to it, is a significant moment for any company. It can give you a fresh start and new opportunities. But it can also cause unexpected expenses and strain on your time if you don’t have guidance.
Benefits
- More space to accommodate growth if that’s what you need. Helpful if expansion (people or equipment related) is happening now or on the horizon.
- Less space to suit your workforce. This is ideal if you want to reduce wasted areas due to your current unnecessary size – downsizing will result in optimised space.
- An opportunity to design from scratch. You can create a bespoke workspace that has your needs and goals in mind.
- The introduction of upgrades. Whether that’s typical infrastructure upgrades or installing modern tech and equipment, a new space means a blank slate.
Drawbacks
- Cost and budgets. Moving will include the new office lease, packing, moving, unpacking and installing equipment and furniture.
- Disruption to your day to day. If not appropriately managed, the process can interfere with your activities and cause employees to feel unsettled during the transition.
- A misstep or oversight in your move can make your location unsuitable for maintaining relationships with clients, partners or vendors.
- Long-term lease obstacles. Breaking an existing lease can be expensive and involve legal teams. It could be more cost effective to renew and refurbish if you’re less than 12 months before the end of your lease, rather than relocate.
Refurbishing/re-fitting an existing space
Choosing to re-fit your existing space can be a cost-effective way to upgrade your environment and improve employee satisfaction. But it can also limit your options in terms of future proofing and cause some disruption if not managed properly.
Benefits
- Cost and budgets. Every project is unique, but it is often less expensive to re-fit than to relocate. This is especially likely if you own the building or have a long-term lease!
- Employee satisfaction. An updated space will motivate and excite employees. Top talent will see investment and want to stay. Expert design will promote your work culture, too.
- Less disruption. We know first-hand that it’s possible to re-fit while a company continues to operate. However, it takes exceptional project management paired with the support of an experienced team; otherwise, you can move this pro into the con pile.
Drawbacks
- A refurb or re-fit won’t work if you’ve already outgrown the space and lack more square feet to work with. Structural, layout and infrastructure constraints could massively impact your needs and vision.
With those pros and cons in mind, you’ll find it helpful to consider these factors: cost effectiveness, space needs, infrastructure, your employees, location, and your timeline/expected timescale. We can discuss all these in-depth with you to find the right solution for your business.
Your circumstances are unique to you, and we hope that this blog has been helpful when you are thinking about your decision to move or re-fit. Relocation allows you to design a space from scratch to meet your needs and goals. Refurbishment is an opportunity for a cost-effective fresh take on the space you’re working in, but there are many factors at play that you’ll need to consider. The best choice is an informed choice. Let’s discuss what you need – contact the team today.