It’s very exciting to be able to relocate your business to a bigger office. There’s a new space, a fresh layout, and maybe even a much better coffee machine in situ. But in the meantime, you may find yourself setting up shop in a temporary office. Whether it’s a pop-up workspace or a portable cabin, the goal remains the same: keep your team safe, comfortable, and happy during the transition.
It can feel a little strange to work in a temporary space, but with the right setup and a bit of care, it can run surprisingly smoothly until you’re ready to move into the new office. Here’s how you can make sure that your team stays relaxed, safe, and ready to roll while you settle into your next permanent home.
1. Put comfort first. If you’re moving into some temporary cabins while you await your new office, then you need to make sure that you have climate control in place. Temperature is so important to keep your team comfortable, and it’s one of the biggest factors in keeping people efficient and productive. Whether you have an air conditioning unit or a heating unit, they need to be reliable and appropriately sized for the space. Portable units are great if you’re working in modular buildings or converted spaces that don’t have a built-in HVAC. Don’t forget to check for good ventilation though because you want to keep the air fresh.
2. Set up ergonomic workstations. Just because your office setup is temporary doesn’t mean anyone has to sit uncomfortably. Adjustable chairs should still be a factor, and you should make sure that computer monitors are at eye level. Extra keyboard and mouse setups for laptops should also be offered. Remember, a temporary setup doesn’t mean that your team doesn’t deserve a good space to work. You want to keep your people happy and a little effort can go a long way.
3. Keep everything clean and organised. Temporary offices are usually smaller than proper offices, which means that things can become quickly cluttered or chaotic. This is especially the case if you’re working out of boxes or you’ve borrowed desks. It’s important to set up cleaning schedules and create zoning for different teams or activities. All walkways should be kept clear of cords, boxes, and hazards, and each team should be empowered to do this themselves.
4. Communicate clearly with your team. Change is not always easy, and it can feel a little unsettling, even if it is temporary. It’s important that you keep your team in the loop about how long the move will last and what to expect. A whiteboard or a pinned up FAQ can help, but so can a few friendly updates during team meetings. The more people feel informed, the less likely that they are to feel stressed.
No matter what you do, keep emboldening your team and getting them excited about the new permanent office space. Temporary office don’t last long, and your team can still feel comfortable and productive while working within them.
