The new office is impressive and the staff are excited to begin work. Everything is proceeding well—except the mountainous boxes piled up in nearly every square inch of space are intimidating. Rather than be overwhelmed, use these tips to unpack with ease after a relocation.

Jumpstarting on work projects in the new location is impossible without unpacking the essentials, from technology that streamlines tasks to important paperwork. The work mounts and the employees grow increasingly frustrated without knowing where to start with the unpacking process.

Fortunately, unpacking after moving to a new office can be accomplished with minimal stress. Organization is key during the unpacking efforts, as it allows for a more organized workflow once complete. Breaking up the unpacking into smaller chunks also makes the process manageable.

1. Take Inventory

Accounting for all the office possessions is the first step in the unpacking process. Check the inventory list the moving company provides to ensure all the items are delivered. This should be done as soon as possible after arriving so that corrections can be made and mistakes fixed.

Do a headcount of all major office goods, such as desks, chairs, equipment, and filing cabinets. Communicate with office personnel to confirm they have received the boxes necessary to perform work tasks. If necessary, open the boxes to verify the contents.

2. Arrange Furniture

Ideally, the layout in the new office will be established prior to relocating. If not, scope out the new space, which will have different configurations than the old one. Arrange the desks and chairs to create a growth-oriented, dynamic office environment the staff will appreciate.

Factor in work zones, such as specific areas for collaborations and others for individual workstations. Balance personal and collaborative workspaces for a more productive work environment. Maintain an open flow through the office and maximize natural lighting when arranging desks and cubicles.

3. Set up Technology

Setting up the technology is also preferably done prior to arriving at the new office. IT staff should have access to the building to set up servers and wireless networks. Once the desks and monitors arrive, IT personnel run the cables, implement security measures and validate the IT systems.

The office’s IT teams should manage the computer cables to reduce tripping hazards and maintain the visual aesthetics at individual workstations. Effective cable management, though a mundane task, optimizes the functionality of the network infrastructure and promotes smooth network operations.

4. Unpack the Essentials First

Once the critical technology (monitors, mice, and keyboards) is unpacked, the less-important files and office supplies should be removed from their boxes. Rarely used office goods, such as reference books, can be left in their respective boxes and unpacked leisurely.

Advise each employee to unpack their boxes and containers at their workstations rather than delegate the unpacking to other staff. Office workers best understand how they’d like to utilize their given space. The responsibility of general unpacking, however, can be shared amongst employees.

5. Unpack Right Away

The longer the boxes sit in the new office location, the longer the company downtime will be. Unpack as soon as possible after relocating to minimize downtime. If unpacking requires a bigger investment in time than is practical, unpack a few boxes each day until the task is done.

A time-saving convenience many offices take advantage of is the unpacking services corporate movers provide. Once at the destination, the moving crews unpack boxes, install equipment, and reassemble furniture, such as large conference desks. They also provide initial packing services for added ease.

6. Encourage Staff Input

Once the office is unpacked, ask the employees for their input. Any suggestions they make to their individual workstation setups or the office in general can increase productivity, promote comfort, and create an efficient work environment. Staff also feel valued and part of the change.

Remember that once equipment is in place and the supplies are in their containers, the office setup can be modified as work needs change. Employees may find a different workstation configuration better suits their needs. Or an office bookshelf may be more suitable elsewhere.

7. Take Time to Adjust

It may take a few weeks for the team to adjust to the new location once unpacked. Allow ample time for employees to settle in and give them opportunities to make tweaks as they see fit. Remember that the new office layout should evolve with the company as needs change.

Teams may expand over time as the company grows. Furniture may need to be rearranged or equipment upgraded as priorities shift. In general, however, it’s important that the workspace remains functional as soon as the office goods are unpacked as well as anytime needs change.

To make your office move even smoother, check out [What to Pack First During an Office Move] for helpful tips on tackling the initial packing phase efficiently.

Top Commercial Movers in Chicago and the Suburbs for a Smooth Office Relocation

While relocating to a new office is an exciting event, the packing process is often stressful. Chicago Office Movers takes the stress out of your move with a comprehensive range of services designed to streamline your corporate relocation and prevent unnecessary angst.

Our licensed and insured commercial movers are experts at packing offices of any size. We successfully pack a range of items, from fragile artwork to bulky machinery. Plus, our crews are background-checked to assure our valued customers that their goods are in secure hands throughout their corporate move.

We are also available to unpack your office goods at the new location. Our packing services minimize overall moving time as well as corporate downtime. You receive a full inventory of all items packed so you can quickly account for all your belongings.

Additional conveniences offered include short- and long-term storage options, insurance and service contracts and professional assistance with planning the relocation. Since we specialize in commercial moves, our specialists can provide you with expert tips to ensure a seamless office relocation.

Whether you intend to move IT systems, science labs, or cubicles, Chicago Office Movers is prepared to help you pack and relocate with ease. We are available to relocate your company locally, long-distance or internationally. Call our Elk Grove Village, Illinois, office for a free estimate today at 312-244-2246 !

Enhancing morale and improving productivity are two important reasons to add desirable amenities to the workplace. But it’s crucial to find amenities that truly promote wellness rather than distract employees. Here are the top amenities staff want in the office.

Most offices are equipped with standard desks and chairs. These basics allow employees to perform their tasks. While standard equipment is necessary, offices that go above and beyond with extras, like snacks, a gym, pet-friendly areas, or optimum lighting, improve their staff’s overall work experience.

The best amenities not only improve employees’ physical comfort but create an enjoyable workspace. The management shows they genuinely care about the well-being of their team. As a result, employees are happier, more productive and motivated to carry out the company’s vision.

What are the top amenities office employees want?

1. Physical Amenities

Desirable amenities focus on improving certain aspects of employees’ work life. Amenities that promote physical well-being include ergonomic chairs and desks or an onsite gym where staff can exercise to stay fit. Amenities like these are designed to keep staff physically healthy.

In addition to ergonomic furniture that prevents issues from sitting for prolong periods, physical comfort amenities include healthy snacks in the break room or cafeteria. Personal lockers are also included in this category, as they help keep employees’ valuables safe and organized.

Onsite health services are another top amenity employees seek in an office. Easy access to screenings and wellness programs helps staff detect health issues early on. By contributing to their physical wellness, onsite health programs prevent workers from getting sick and taking time off.

2. Emotional Amenities

Natural lighting is known for its mood-enhancing effects. Employees desire natural lighting for its numerous health benefits, such as reduced eye strain, fewer headaches, and less drowsiness. Staff make less mistakes, too, when they work in spaces with ample natural lighting.

Wellness rooms are likewise highly coveted. When ridden with stress or anxiety, staff have the opportunity to escape from the office chaos and into a wellness room for much-needed relaxation. The wellness room provides a calm, quiet environment and a break from the hustle and bustle.

3. Convenient Amenities

Working parents especially value office amenities that deliver convenience. With onsite childcare, staff are free to invest in work projects, knowing their children are nearby, safe, and cared for. Employees who take advantage of this amenity show increased productivity and less stress.

A shuttle or transportation service to and from a public rail or bus station makes a major difference in the satisfaction of employees who utilize public transportation. Not only does a shuttle service improve punctuality, but it adds a cost-savings measure for parking-related expenses.

Furthermore, a company that offers a shuttle service showcases their commitment to environmental sustainability, a major attraction for highly skilled talent. By reducing the number of cars on the road with a reliable transportation service, the company lowers their carbon footprint.

A furry friend is an instant mood-booster, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Employees who are allowed to bring their pets to the workplace continue experiencing their uplifted mood while engaged in projects. Pet-friendly zones at work are appreciated by pet owners.

4. Social Amenities

Connecting with colleagues is equally important for employee satisfaction at work. Opportunities for connection happen when companies designate spaces that encourage teamwork and collaboration. Collaborative workspaces and areas where employees can gather are two examples of highly sought-after social amenities.

By providing a place for colleagues to unwind or take breaks, companies foster a positive workplace environment where increased teamwork and engagement are the norm. Collaborative areas also allow for better problem-solving, information sharing, and trust-building. A sense of belonging develops among the team.

5. Technology Amenities

Today’s fast-paced companies rely heavily on technology. It’s no surprise employees value it, too. The latest technology empowers team members and allows them to communicate and collaborate no matter where they are located, whether onsite or working remotely. Improved data security is an additional benefit.

Work processes are streamlined with advanced technology. Automation tools, for instance, prevent staff from engaging in repetitive tasks while also reducing human error, saving the company time and money. Streamlined workflow processes provide greater flexibility and improve the staff’s quality of work.

Favored amenities increase employee satisfaction and retention. Companies that provide desirable amenities show that they are committed to promoting the well-being of their office staff. Plus, by adding top amenities, companies enhance their corporate reputation and attract highly talented workforces.

Drawing prospective talent and ensuring the satisfaction of existing ones are key reasons companies are urged to include the most desirable amenities in their office. Companies that experience space limitations, such as when adding a gym, might consider relocating to a larger office.

Professional Commercial Movers

When your company is looking to move to greener pastures, you’ll need a reliable commercial mover on your side. Chicago Office Movers is equipped with the dedicated moving crews, equipment, and experience to ensure your corporate relocation is as seamless as possible.

Our move counselors are available to help you plan your office relocation from start to finish. Moving crews can pack and unpack your office goods. Our movers are background-checked, licensed, and trained—so you can be assured that your valuables are in secure hands.

We offer several conveniences to add ease to your move. Short- and long-term storage options are available in our secure facilities. Movers are experienced in safely relocating a wide range of office goods, such as bulky furniture, sensitive IT systems, fragile electronics, and cubicles.

Your goods are loaded into our climate-controlled moving trucks featuring lift gates and air-ride suspensions to add a further layer of protection to your office items. Our corporate customers receive up-to-date tracking information, whether their goods are in our storage facility or trucks.

Give your employees the amenities they deserve. Relocate locally, long-distance, or internationally with the help of Chicago Office Movers. We’re among the most trusted office moving companies in Chicagoland. Call our Elk Grove Village, Illinois, office today to receive a free estimate.