With lockdown restrictions lessening in major parts of the globe, it sounds like a reasonable move for some businesses to consider a transition back to office spaces.

However, just like with remote working conditions, the shift back to an office space during the lockdown can still pose some problems. After all, aside from securing the office, there are now other things to consider with businesses still adjusting to a post-pandemic way of life.

Thankfully, transitioning back to office spaces after a year or so in remote work shouldn’t be as difficult as it sounds. In fact, the right approach can help companies and teams have a more productive office space than ever before!

Here are some tips to help in the preparation stage:

• Secure your requirements as soon as possible. One of the first steps you need to take when transitioning back to an office space is to secure all your requirements. Aside from building permits and other documentary requirements, you need to take note of necessary social distancing protocols and any updated health and safety regulations – especially now that you’re expecting your staff back. If you’re hiring professionals, you may also want to work on securing their certification and insurance as soon as possible
• Prepare a skeleton crew to handle both remote and office operations. It’s very likely that you’ll retain both online and remote operations once you start transitioning back to office work. To make things more efficient on your end, you might want to organise a skeleton crew to handle your online operations while the rest of your team handles your return to an office space. That way, there won’t be any compromising elements when it comes to sales on your part, as there’s always a member of your team at home prepared to take on clients and other customers
• Anticipate your sales and operations performance beforehand to prepare for all eventualities. When planning your transition back to the office, check your trajectory of potential sales and operation performance. Remember, you have to take note of lockdown protocols and customer limitations, so you always need to have these in mind and adjust your goals to have a more accurate take on your business growth. This allows you to have a better outlook on what your team can accomplish by the time you transition back into an office space.
• Organise your inventory soon to be able to plan your purchases. One of the first things you need to do once you’ve finalised your plans is to organise your inventory. This allows you to identify whether you have items you need to restock or replace entirely. Making an inventory allows you to know which items your new office lacks as well, which would likely include sanitation gear and even protective equipment.
• Incorporate your transition back to the office into your marketing efforts. Another way to make your transition back to office spaces more rewarding for your business is to incorporate this into your marketing. For instance, you might want to integrate a promo or a discount of your products and services to those who schedule an appointment with you in your new office. That way, you may start the first day of your new office operations on a high note.
• Hire professionals to handle logistics and heavy lifting. One way you can lessen the burden on your business during the moving process is to hire professionals such as moving companies to help you make your transition much easier. A lot of moving companies actually specialise in office moves, meaning you can rely on them to not just move your things, but also provide services such as storage and transportation if necessary. They also know how to transport sensitive equipment and materials, perfect if your offices need these things in tip-top condition.

Back To The Office: Make The Transition Work For Your Team

At first glance, preparing to go back to office work can become a bit daunting, especially for offices that have gotten used to remote work. However, businesses who decide to start making measures to get back to office spaces can follow the above tips to feel a little less overwhelmed.

With the above in mind, it helps to maintain protocols for flexible working, especially when taking into account safety precautions and lockdown protocols. After that, companies can focus on their transition back to office-based operations, marketing, and sales.