- Office size varies by industry; signs of outgrowing include storage issues, more staff, and limited meeting space.
- Crowded conditions hurt productivity and morale; a larger office can enhance employee satisfaction and efficiency.
- A larger office space enhances the company’s reputation and accommodates future business growth.
- Successful office moves involve planning, technology use, and hiring professional moving services.
- When relocating your office, updating addresses with clients, vendors, and online platforms is crucial.
As an entrepreneur or business owner, if you are expanding, then part of that growth may require expanding your workspace. Perhaps you need additional employees, or you’ve outgrown your current location. Regardless, discerning when you need a bigger office is essential. Here’s what you need to know regarding the sizes of offices, signs that you need to move to a bigger one, and how you can make your move successful.
Office Size Today
The average number of offices in the country is estimated to be around 150-170 square feet per employee. However, this number varies depending on the industry, company size, and location. For example, startups and tech companies often have smaller offices because they encourage collaboration and teamwork. On the other hand, traditional businesses may require more significant spaces for individual workstations and privacy. However, you’ll eventually need to move from your smaller office to a bigger one. Here are some signs you need to do that:
1. Outgrowing Your Space
One of the most apparent signs of needing to move to a bigger office is when you’re outgrowing the current one. What constitutes outgrowing the space? It could be when you struggle with storing physical documents or supplies. It may be when you use hallwayways, breakrooms, or other common areas as a “temporary storage” area. If it’s becoming challenging to work efficiently due to a lack of space, it’s time to consider a move.
2. More Staff Members
Another reason why you might need to consider a bigger office is when you hire more staff members. Trying to squeeze new team members into your existing workspace can hurt their productivity and morale. Crowded working conditions can be unbearable, leading to tension and stress for employees. The need for privacy and space is why hiring new personnel usually coincides with needing a larger workspace.
3. Not Enough Meeting Space
As you grow your business, more people will attend meetings. Your small office space might not have enough space to accommodate all these people. Not having enough meeting space is especially noticeable when meeting with clients, and the current space feels cramped or unprofessional. In such a situation, having a bigger office will increase your credibility and provide a better environment for meetings and collaborations.
4. Limited Storage Space
If you’re stacking up boxes and using the office walls to hang things, you run out of storage space. Insufficient storage space can affect employee productivity and make it difficult to keep the office organized. It might also create hazardous conditions. If it’s becoming hard to move around due to a lack of storage space, upgrading your office to one with more storage space would be great.
5. Booming Business
As your business grows, you will need a larger office space to accommodate the growth. A bigger office provides enough space to accommodate for future business growth. Also, it can improve the company’s reputation and give clients a better impression of the business. A bigger office is ideal for your growing business, allowing you enough space to organize your workspace and expand your operations.
How to Make Your Office Move a Success
Moving to a new office can be daunting, but it’s also an exciting time for your business. Here are some tips to make your move successful:
Choose an Option nearby
You must choose an option that is close to your old office. Successful moves usually involve finding a location close to your current space. This allows you to maintain a similar commute for your employees, which can minimize disruption and avoid losing valuable talent.
Plan Ahead
You’ll need to plan every aspect of the move well in advance. Consider creating an internal team to organize the move. Create a detailed timeline and communicate it to employees, clients, and vendors. Planning can prevent any potential issues during the move.
Utilize Technology
Using technology such as video conferencing or project management software can help your business stay connected during the move. It can also make it easier for employees to work remotely if necessary. Make sure to set up IT infrastructure in the new office before the move to avoid any downtime.
Update Your Address
Don’t forget to update your address with all necessary parties, including clients, vendors, and service providers. This will ensure that important mail and deliveries are not missed or delayed. It’s also a good idea to update your online presence and marketing materials with the new address as soon as possible.
Hire a Moving Service
When relocating your office, hiring a professional can be a game-changer. Movers bring expertise and equipment to make your move more efficient and less stressful. They handle loading, transportation, and unloading, freeing you and your team to focus on keeping your business running. Additionally, they understand how to move large and delicate office items, minimizing the risk of damage.
Moving to a larger office is a significant milestone for your business, signaling growth and expansion. Recognizing the signs that it’s time to move can help optimize your operation and foster an environment that boosts productivity and employee satisfaction. Planning and utilizing resources such as technology and professional moving services can streamline the transition and minimize disruption to your business operations. With a successful move, your new workspace can support your evolving needs and make room for continued success and growth.
