Whether you’re looking for a more productive office design or need more space to keep up with your company’s growth, moving offices can be an exciting time for any company. It can be stressful but ultimately rewarding as your team feels like they have a fresh start and can look forward to the future. Still, moving comes with several hazards you need to consider to ensure a smooth transition, so make sure you think about these factors before setting up any office relocation.
Heavy Lifting
There will be a lot of heavy lifting when moving offices, especially if you get the entire team involved to carry their desks, chairs, and more out to the moving van. You can avoid injuries by ensuring everyone wears appropriate footwear and training them to lift and carry office furniture safely. Of course, if you want to avoid the risk of injuries, hire a professional office moving company to take care of the heavy lifting.
Structural Soundness
The new office should also be structurally sound to ensure there is no risk of personal injury while you and your team are at the new office. Carry out thorough inspections before you sign any leases or contracts and speak to the building owner highlighting any concerns if you notice anything concerning. This can range from rewiring or even termite control if you notice signs of infestations that can put you–and anyone else in the building–in danger.
On-Site Security
You want your team to be safe when they are on-site as well as arriving at and leaving the office. The best way to achieve this is by setting up security systems to monitor the area. One solution is installing security cameras around the perimeter and entrance, but you can also consider ID Cards and access control systems that prevent people who are not permitted to enter the building from gaining access. Likewise, security lighting and security guards can act as deterrents.
Ease Of Access
Every business should consider the importance of accessibility and accommodating disabled employees and customers to make their office more welcoming and safer. You do not want guests with mobility issues to struggle to climb stairs, so consider an office that offers these amenities to make it more appealing and accessible for anyone who is not as sure on their feet as they once were.
Hazardous Materials
Depending on your industry, you may work with several hazardous materials. While you will take the correct precautions to prevent contamination, accidents, and oversights can occur. So, you’ll need to identify solutions to ensure property disposal of potentially dangerous materials. Specialized collection services are one option, while storage facilities will also give you an isolated spot to store waste materials without the risk of them harming employees, other workers, or even the public.
Safety First
Safety is paramount for any manager, regardless of where you work. When moving offices, you must guarantee your team’s safety during and after the fact. These tips can help you set up a safe and secure workplace to promote productivity and job satisfaction.
