Preparing your employees for moving office

Changing to a new office, particularly one in a new location, can be a stressful time for staff and employers alike. Correct staff management practices need to be observed and employees need to be kept in the loop about the office move at every stage.

Your obligations as an employer should take into regard your legal duties to your staff as well as ensuring that the office relocation doesn’t cause unnecessary disruptions to their day-to-day lives. A qualified property solicitor with experience in the realms of commercial property will be able to advise you in terms of your HR and employment law concerning your forthcoming office move as each situation will be different. If your employment contract contains a mobility clause then you are allowed as an employer to change offices with the agreement of your employees but the mobility clause must be reasonable in order to be enforced.

Aside from the legalities, staff should be consulted to see if moving office causes any unforeseen difficulties for your workforce. Even moving office within the same city can alter travel plans for employees and could require negotiation to help staff solve problems arising from the office move. Those with dependent relatives such as young children or elderly relatives may have important family commitments outside of work and it is important for managers to discuss concerns before the office move gets underway. For more practical solutions on how HR needs to play a key role in achieving a successful office move, read our HR Guide to Moving Office.