How to plan for expansion in your office
As 2023 moves into summertime, the business outlook remains challenging. High inflation levels coupled with a cost of living crisis are making it harder for many businesses to remain profitable. However, the worst effects of the recent covid-19 pandemic are now over in most western countries, and the medium-term financial forecasts for business are starting to become more positive. If your business has managed to remain competitive during recent months, the outlook may be starting to look favorable if you have plans for expansion. Expanding your business and reaching new markets can be the ideal way to secure the long-term viability of your organization. If you have a central office and need to expand it to cultivate continued growth, this article will be of assistance – some key factors to consider when planning for expansion in your office will be discussed.
Create a comprehensive project plan
Firstly, you will need to consider the level of expansion that is planned for your office. Does it require additional building work to allow additional staff to be based there, or is it a case of restructuring the existing space? You will need to employ a range of contracted staff to complete the work depending on the nature and scope of the expansion. In addition, you will need to factor in projected timescales for each stage of the work and any disruption that it may cause to the existing workforce. It is vitally important to create a comprehensive plan of the work required, with accurate costing and timelines for each stage of the work. This will give you a clear idea of the budget that is required for the expansion and the duration of the work.
Electrical considerations
All modern office buildings require a significant number of electrical outlets and access points. These ensure that suitable office tech can be used and staff can easily connect to work based applications. When upgrades to the office take place, it is important to factor in the new electrical outlets and access points that will be required by staff. If your business is located in Ohio, search online for a commercial electrician Columbus OH to find the details of suitable contractors for this electrical work. Ideally, the contractor you choose will have extensive commercial experience and will have worked on similar office expansion projects. They should be able to provide accurate estimates for the total costs of the electrical upgrades that are needed, along with an indication of the timescales for the completion of each stage.
Use a project management application
As previously mentioned, it is of paramount importance to have a clear and comprehensive project plan. However, this should not be a static document or one that is stored away, as it will be constantly updated as the project progresses. It is far better to use a dedicated project management application that can be modified in real-time. Modern project management apps are online based, which means that multiple stakeholders can access the information, and all will be viewing the latest stage of the office expansion project. Put simply, using such an app will ensure that everyone is aware of their responsibilities with the upgrade work, and an accurate timeline to project completion can be constructed.