In the age of the pandemic, many companies are rethinking the locations of their offices. Social distancing concerns have shifted priorities, making cities much less appealing to businesses than they were before COVID-19. Combine those concerns with the lower rental rates offered outside of major metropolitan areas, and you may have great incentive to move your own office location. If you choose to, these tips will help to ensure that you find the right space and set yourself up for a drama-free relocation.
1. Think Outside the Box
When you're looking for a new office, consider less traditional spaces in addition to office parks, professional buildings and mini skyscrapers. The coronavirus has shuttered many retailers, leaving landlords with tons of vacancies in shopping malls, centers and plazas. Moving into one of these types of spaces could translate to big savings for your company while also giving your employees easy access to restaurants, grocery stores, drug stores, hair salons, dry cleaners and other businesses they may want to visit before and after work and during their lunch hours.
2. Hire a Tenant Rep Broker
Understanding the commercial real estate market in the suburban area you're considering is vital to ensuring that you get a fair deal. A tenant rep broker has that knowledge already and can provide you with expert advice, so that you don't have to spend hours researching on your own. Tenant reps also serve as advocates during the negotiation process. Best of all, their services are paid for by the landlord.
3. Simplify the Transition for Your Staff
While many employees are likely to welcome the move, change always has the potential to be stressful. By providing your team with as much information as possible, you can remove some fear of the unknown, and make the transition smoother. Have someone from the community visit to highlight its finer points. Distribute a packet of information listing businesses near the area and details about what public transportation is available. Lay out your floor plan in advance, so employees can visualize where their new workspaces will be.
4. Get Acquainted With Laws and Regulations
Zoning requirements and health and safety regulations may be different in your new location. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations to avoid potential fines.
5. Go With Pros and Get Insured
It's fine to have your employees pack up their own belongings and items in shared areas prior to the move. In fact, doing so can give them a feeling of empowerment. That said, leave the actual moving to the professionals. Hire a company with experience in the commercial sector, and don't be afraid to negotiate a rate. Also, get moving insurance to protect equipment, files and other items that are costly or difficult to replace in the event of damage.
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