A workplace is more than just a physical space: it’s an important tool that enables employees and processes to work better together. Workplaces have a big impact on employee productivity, brand identity and recruitment - which means their design should be of utmost importance. 

If your office space doesn’t currently support your employees or your business goals, office relocation may seem like the only option to solve the problem. However, in many cases, relocation is not necessary, and you are able to make your current space work harder and smarter. Here are the key considerations to think about when weighing up whether to stay or go. 

What Are the Costs Involved?

Cost is often one of the biggest influences when considering relocating. Moving your office obviously involves parting with some money, but with rent being one of the biggest overheads for businesses, it is worth considering carefully your budget. Rentals costs will be largely dependent on the location and size of the new property, however, you also should consider other outgoings such as cleaning costs, parking and other monthly expenses that may differ from your current location. 

Furthermore, SMEs facing their first move often tend to overlook many costs associated with the move itself, including removal costs, deposits, advisory fees, travel expense increase, employee relocation and recruitment and/or redundancy costs. All of these factors can have a big impact on the budget and cost of the relocation process and should be carefully considered before any decisions are made.

Location, Location, Location

Your office location is an extension of your brand image. While some businesses are willing to compromise on location, others may want to be in the heart of the action, locating themselves within a particular business cluster area associated with their sector, e.g in the Square Mile if they are a finance company. Moving to a new location can be a great opportunity to break into new markets or prospects, however, it’s worth remembering that a more desirable postcode tends to come with a higher price tag. Existing clients locations are also likely to be a consideration, as well as current and future employees, as you want your business to be accessible for all. 

It is worth weighing up the pros and cons of your current location, and the reasons why you may want to relocate. If you decide relocating is the right decision, it’s worth investing in an initial consultation to gauge the prevalence and quality of space in your desired location.