Should I Stay or Should I Go?
Deciding to refurbish your existing office or relocate to a new space is a major decision. The quality of the physical work environment has a significant impact on people’s performance, health, happiness and overall business success. Coupled with the building-related and capital expenditure that can be involved, it is crucial to establish a clear plan.
Establish your business case
Numerous events will drive the need to refurbish or relocate such as business growth, cost reduction or the necessity to ensure the workplace is fit for purpose. Investing in modern ways of working also shows people they are valued, helping to retain and attract talent and boost market reputation.
Another major trigger can be upcoming lease reviews and the related obligations these may present.
Establishing a business case with a clear brief to guide your decisions and plans is essential, and will benefit the overall smooth running of your refurbishment or relocation project.
Considering the size, location, your type of business and future plans are important. However, it is as important to gather insights from your people to define the crucial purpose and function the office needs to play. Take the time to learn more about their work activities and patterns, functional and emotional needs, aspirations towards activity-based and hybrid working and what is necessary to provide a happy, healthy and productive environment.
Think about the impact you wish to have on achieving sustainability goals. Such as with energy efficiency, the materials and products used, ongoing maintenance requirements, social connectivity and long-term adaptability.
Determining these requirements will be invaluable to assessing the suitability of a space and the capital investment required.
Work out what budgets might be required
Establishing a clear breakdown of all the potential costs will be instrumental in considering your options and ensuring long-term benefits will be realised.
As well as building-related expenditure (like rents, service and maintenance charges), typical elements to fully consider include professional services, design consultancy, fit-out specifications, IT infrastructure, specialist works, furniture selection, AV installations, move costs and potential use of temporary offices.
Performing this analysis will also highlight opportunities to seek contributions from the landlord if there is a clear, beneficial improvement to the premises.
Start planning at least 12 months in advance
Don’t underestimate the size of a project
Involving workplace consultancy firms, construction industry professionals and commercial property advisors early will help you focus on the pros and cons of refurbishing your existing office or relocating to a new space.
POS are passionate about creating beautiful, functional and sustainable workspaces. Our workplace consultants provide essential insights into creating highly successful work environments. From establishing your requirements and the best use of space, to evaluating the suitability of premises, to providing guidance on budgets, local regulations, project plans and potential lease negotiations.
If you’re planning to improve your office environment, to refit, refurbish or relocate, get in contact with our team to help ensure you have the crucial information and inspiration to make well-informed decisions and investments.