Chicago events are scheduled to return this summer after over a year of the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping through the city, nation and world. Residents of the city and neighboring areas can expect a summer filled with outdoor festivals, sporting events, art fairs and street fairs.
The gradual reopening of Chicago is made possible by city residents who follow the public health guidelines and help keep COVID-19 infection rates low enough to resume activities. Community, art and business leaders also contribute to the launch of summer events.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that the Fourth of July holiday is the target date to fully reopen the city. Vaccination and public health department efforts help the city move closer toward this goal. Events are expected to follow state guidelines and will have limited capacity.
Chicagoans have plenty to look forward to this summer. The city will reawaken with the reopening of music clubs, theaters and festivals. The historic Maxwell Street Market is scheduled to return, as are the Grant Park Music Festival and a modified version of the summertime favorite Taste of Chicago.
May 2021 Events
1. Navy Pier Celebrations
Celebrations of the Navy Pier reopening will include 10 minutes of fireworks every Saturday night in May at 9 PM. Visitors may view the lakefront attraction’s celebratory sparks from its various public places, nearby beaches or while sauntering down the Lakefront Trail.
2. Immersive Van Gogh
Admirers of Vincent Van Gogh have a chance to appreciate the artist’s work in a new way. In the Germania Club Building in Old Town, animated versions of the famed painter’s work cover 35-foot walls and are accompanied by a delicate blend of electronic and classical music compositions.
3. Chicago Symphony Orchestra
The return of live concerts is heralded by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra this month. Head to the Symphony Center to listen to glorious works by composers, like Aaron Copeland and Samuel Barber, which are performed by musicians from the CSO’s percussion and brass sections.
4. Art: Lust, Love, and Loss in Renaissance Europe
This Memorial Day weekend, spend time at the art exhibit at the University of Chicago’s Smart Museum of Art. Absorb the moving artistry of Renaissance painters. The Lust, Love, and Loss in Renaissance Europe exhibit features 40 paintings, sculptures, prints and luxury wares.
June 2021 Events
5. Architecture River Tour
Water and architecture lovers will enjoy sightseeing with Shoreline’s Architecture River Tours. The award-winning, guided tour takes attendees on a 75-minute jaunt to see more than 40 of the city’s world-famous landmarks. Face masks are required on the vessel and in boarding areas.
6. Andersonville Farmers Market
Returning for its 12th season, the Andersonville Farmers Market will be open on Wednesdays from 3pm to 7pm during the months of May to October. Shoppers can browse the colorful offerings of this hybrid market in-person or order in advance via their app or website for pick up.
7. Maxwell Street Market
Shoppers are surrounded by vibrant colors, scintillating aromas, and an overall satisfying cultural experience as immigrant communities sell food, clothing, and crafts. Visitors have flocked to the Maxwell Street Market since the late nineteenth century, when it was a vast Sunday morning flea market.
July 2021 Events
8. Frida Kahlo: Timeless
The Frida Kahlo: Timeless art exhibition will give museum-goers the chance to learn and understand Kahlo’s work and life. A 26-piece collection will be on exhibit as well as over 100 photos from the artist’s life. A Frida Kahlo-inspired garden offers visitors unique insights into this artist’s work.
9. Navy Pier Concerts and Movies
Navy Pier’s film screenings, concerts and festivals begin in July. Families may enjoy movies, like The Lion King and Frozen 2. Jazz enthusiasts can take in the sounds of The Water Color jazz series, which includes a tribute to The Blues Brothers, performed by the Chicago Jazz Orchestra.
August 2021 Events
10. Navy Pier Cultural Events
Navy Pier continues its musical concerts through the month of August. Local musicians perform in Live on the Lake! Free weekly, family friendly movie screenings may be enjoyed at the Polk Brothers Park. The children’s music series Wiggleworms will run every Friday morning from 10am to 11am.
11. Taste of Chicago To-Go
The annual Taste of Chicago will be modified this year due to the pandemic. This summer, the food festival will be known as Taste of Chicago To-Go. Pop-up cooking demonstrations and a series of special events will take place through the months of July, August and September.
Chicago promises a flurry of exciting events this summer, especially as COVID-19 restrictions ease. The aforementioned events are in the planning stage; details may change, depending on the success of reducing coronavirus metrics. Check schedules before heading out to the events.
Work with a Commercial Mover
Companies planning to relocate to Chicago this summer can be assured that their employees will have plenty of recreational opportunities in the city. While these summer events will keep staff entertained, count on Chicago Office Movers to handle your corporate relocation with ease and safety.
Chicago Office Movers is an experienced commercial mover. We handle all aspects of your move, from start to finish. Our crews safely and securely pack office goods, obtain street permits for unloading, and coordinate shipping for both long-distance and international moves.
Businesses that need storage services can count on Chicago Office Movers’ secure storage facilities. Your goods will be unpacked carefully at the destination to prevent damage. Our union movers disassemble furniture and equipment and provide dependable reassembly at the final destination.
Our numerous satisfied customers attest to our expert relocation services and competitive pricing. In fact, the relocation specialists at Chicago Office Movers will ensure your move stays within budget. By working with a reputable office mover, like us, you can expect a seamless relocation.
Get a Free Estimate
Chicago Office Movers is available to handle every detail of your move into or out of the city, state or country. We also skillfully handle international relocations. When you anticipate an office or corporate relocation, choose Chicago Office Movers.
Call us today at 312-244-2246 for a free estimate.
Director of Marketing & Development Office: (847) 621-5176 Cell: (312) 497-3203
At Chicago Office Movers, Kari-Ann is our Director of Marketing & Development. As the master of visibility, she is responsible for all things Branding and Marketing related. Kari-Ann comes to us with experiences in Marketing for a multi-brand and multi-location company, the service industry, non profit marketing event planning and fundraising, and retail management. She is the Chair of the Board for the Schaumburg Business Association 2021 & 2022, a member of the Elk Grove Village Chamber Board of Directors, and past chair and top fundraiser for the Northwest Suburban Walk To End Alzheimer’s.
Kari-Ann received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Western Michigan University. She is Master Certified in Constant Contact Email Marketing and has held numerous social media training classes.
Chicago is one of the most popular and populated cities in the U.S. It has one of the most recognizable skylines in the world dominated by the Willis Tower (still called the Sears Tower by locals) and is home to many landmarks and attractions that draw visitors from all over the globe.
About the City of Chicago
Chicago is also a city of historical significance as industry within the city helped develop the western U.S. in the 19th century, and it is a major cultural center as many artists, writers, actors, and musicians have hailed from Chicago. Many prominent businesses were started in Chicago, including Sears and Marshall Fields (now Macy’s), and many businesses still operate out of Chicago and the surrounding areas including Boeing, Walgreen’s, United Airlines, and more.
This Chicago Flag
When one thinks of Chicago, several visuals may come to mind, including the Sears Tower, the Lakefront, Navy Pier, and the Bean. One symbol of Chicago that is recognizable across the U.S. is the city flag.
The Chicago flag has a simple design with 3 white stripes, 2 sky blue stripes, and 4 red 6-pointed stars and different representations of this design can be found all throughout the city. The flag is flown in homes, outside of businesses and government buildings, and at public parks. It can also be seen in graffiti art and some Chicago residents even incorporate the design into their tattoos as a display of city pride.
The Chicago flag is easily one of the most recognizable city flags in the U.S. and each symbol on the flag represents something about the Windy City. In this guide, we will cover the history and meaning behind the design of the Chicago flag. If you own or manage a business and are interested in moving your operation to Chicago, our commercial movers at Chicago Office Movers can help with every aspect of your business relocation.
History of the Chicago Flag
The history of the Chicago flag starts in 1915 when then Mayor of Chicago William Hale Thompson created a municipal flag commission. This commission was asked to hold an open public competition in which people submitted their design for a Chicago flag. The winning design was submitted by a man named Wallace Rice and his design was adopted as the city’s flag in 1917.
At its inception in 1917, the Chicago flag had the design that is familiar to us today, but with only two stars. In 1933, the third star was added and in 1939, the fourth star was added. The design of the Chicago flag has remained unchanged since the addition of the fourth star.
Chicago Flag Design
Every element of the Chicago flag symbolizes something in relation to the city. To put it generally, the white and blue stripes represent the city in a geographical sense, the stars represent historical events, and each point of the star represents concepts and virtues related to the historical events.
Bars
The bars on the Chicago flag consist of three white bars at the top, bottom, and middle of the flag, separated by two sky blue bars. Each of these bars represent the following geographical aspects of the city:
Top white bar: The North Side of Chicago
Top blue bar: Lake Michigan and the North Branch of the Chicago River
Middle white bar: The West Side of Chicago
Bottom blue bar: The Great Canal and South Branch of the Chicago River
Bottom white bar: The South Side of Chicago
Chicago was established on the shore of Lake Michigan in the early 1800s because the Lake, Chicago River, and the Great Canal that connects the Chicago River to the Des Plaines River made it easy to import and export goods by water. Because of this, Chicago’s downtown area developed on the shore of Lake Michigan and the city could only spread north, west, and south, creating the main geographical regions of the city known as the North Side, West Side, and South Side.
Stars
The four stars of the Chicago flag represent important historical events that occurred in the first 100 years of the city’s history. Each of the 6 points of these stars also symbolize virtues, concepts, and accomplishments related to the historical events.
The Great Chicago Fire: The first star which was featured on the flag’s original design stands for the Great Chicago Fire that occurred in 1871. The Great Fire occurred when most of the city’s buildings were made from wood and it burnt much of the city to the ground. Chicago’s subsequent recovery and literal rise from the ashes showed the resiliency and city pride of its residents. The six points of this star represent transportation, heath, population, finance, commerce, and labor.
World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893: The second star from the original 1917 design represents the World’s Columbian Exposition which was held in Chicago in 1893. The exposition was held in Jackson Park in a temporary fairground known as the White City. It drew over 27 million visitors from around the world between May and October of 1893 and this event had a profound effect on Chicago’s arts, architecture, and self-image. The six points of this star represent religion, civic sport, beneficence, justice, aesthetics, and education.
Century of Progress International Exposition: This third star which was added to the flag in 1933 represents the Century of Progress International Exposition, also known as the Chicago World’s Fair, which was held from May 27, 1933 through October 31, 1934. This fair was held as a celebration of the city’s centennial and the theme was technological innovation. It was also a celebration of Chicago’s rise to become the second largest city in the U.S. (now third largest behind New York and Los Angeles). The six points of this star stand for world’s third largest city, convention city, wonder city, great central market, the “I will” motto, and the city motto urbs in horto (city in a garden).
Fort Dearborn: The final star added to the flag in 1939 represents the founding of Fort Dearborn in 1803. Fort Dearborn was built along the Chicago River before the formal establishment of the city, and it was reconstructed in 1816 after being destroyed in the Battle of Fort Dearborn in the War of 1812. While European and American settlers had already reached and settled in the area that became Chicago, the opening of Fort Dearborn resulted in a permanent small settlement being developed in the surrounding area which grew to become Chicago. The six points of this star represent every political entity that Chicago once belonged to including France 1693, England 1693-1763, Virginia 1763-1778, Northwest Territory 1798, Indiana Territory 1798-1802, and Illinois statehood 1818.
The Chicago city flag remains one of the most popular and recognizable city flags in the U.S. and has been named the second-best flag in multiple surveys, coming in second to the Washington, D.C. city flag.
There have been proposals for adding a fifth star to represent various people and events including the city’s first African American mayor Harold Washington, the founding of the Special Olympics, and even the Chicago Bulls dynasty of the 1990s and Cubs 2016 World Series. However, it is expected that the city will stick with the current iconic design.
Relocate Your Business to Chicago
Chicago is a great America city that is home to world renowned businesses and institutions and a proud populace. There are many great reasons to move your business to Chicago, including access to a young and tech savvy workforce, access to the third largest market in the U.S., access to two international airports, and lower taxes than the east and west coast. If you want to endear your business to the local workforce, customers, and clients, be sure to fly or display the Chicago city flag.
Chicago Office Movers is a professional commercial moving company that can help you move your business to the city of Chicago or the surrounding Chicago suburbs. Our licensed, union commercial movers will help manage every aspect of your move to make your office relocation as seamless as possible.
As the Covid-19 pandemic rages on, more and more employees are given the flexibility of working from home. Others telecommute a few days per week. Working in a home office offers perks as well as distractions. Here’s how to improve productivity at the home office.
Perks of Working from Home
Work environments have dramatically shifted amidst the coronavirus era—some permanently. Staff now communicate, connect, and produce via a hybrid model. A small number of employees welcome this change, while most long for the social interactions found next to the water cooler.
Once commuters who currently work from home have gained an extra hour to dedicate to the workday, and many work-related tasks can be accomplished at home without losing quality or productivity. Still, distractions in a home office can detract from an employee’s concentration.
Common distractions include children, a spouse, and neighbors. Those who work from home may find themselves diverted by pets who need care or laundry that must be done. Loved ones do not always grasp that non-emergency disruptions are not permissible in a virtual office.
Although working in a home office provides an employee with flexibility, a negligible commute to the home office and the comfort of working in pajamas, remaining productive demands attention, focus and a few proven tactics, like the ones that follow.
6 Tips to Improve Productivity when Working from Home
1. Design a Functional Space
A home office does not require a grand oak desk and a view of a calming pond in order to be functional. However, design does have an impact on productivity. The first task is to find a quiet space in the home in which to focus attention on work projects.
Select a room with windows. Natural light improves the work environment, boosting mood and overall wellbeing. An employee whose wellbeing is fulfilled tends to be more engaged and performs better. Plus, daylight reduces eyestrain, headaches, and drowsiness. Add plants for an optimal workspace.
2. Create a Schedule
Devices constantly send notifications; the neighbors call, and dishes pile up in the sink. While certain distractions require attention, it is important to prioritize responsibilities when working from a home office. One way to achieve this is to create a schedule for daily tasks.
Define blocks of time in which to check in with a manager and socialize with colleagues. In a virtual office, casual chats with coworkers are missing, making it important to be intentional about making up for the loss. Also schedule times to call loved ones and walk the dog.
An ideal work-from-home schedule starts at the same time each day. Rather than be tempted to do yardwork, stick to a pre-determined schedule—similar to working in the office. Without a familiar work schedule, sleeping in or performing housework diminishes productivity.
3. Turn Off Devices
An important part of staying focused is turning off devices. Social media notifications and online ads constantly appear. Work-related stress can cause an employee to distract himself by responding to devices. Instead, resist the urge and remain disciplined in order to stay productive.
4. Hang Do Not Disturb Signs
Especially in a household full of children, an employee working from home must establish clear boundaries. Visual cues that indicate availability are useful. Hang a sign on the office door that lets housemates know available times as well as specific time frames to not interrupt.
5. Schedule Breaks
Breaks from work activities offer relief and encourage improved engagement upon return to tasks. Keep items, like apps, books, or exercise equipment, within reach. However, ensure these favorites are stored out of sight so as not to be drawn to them during working hours.
Exercise equipment, including a treadmill or resistance bands, kept in the home office will facilitate short breaks. Bursts of physical activity re-energizes employees mentally and physically and helps them return to work activities with renewed focus. Exercise also reduces stress levels.
Brief blocks of physical activity during work hours boosts work performance, enhances creativity, allows employees to learn quicker, sharpens memory and improves concentration. Employees who schedule exercise into their workday also manage their time better and experience greater work satisfaction.
6. Prepare Meals in Advance
Balanced meals enhance cognitive performance, supplying an individual with the essential vitamins and minerals necessary to function throughout the workday. But meals and snacks can be distracting when attempting to figure out what to eat, how to prepare it and when.
Instead of unintentionally losing time during the workday to figure out what to eat, prepare meals and snacks in advance. Graze on foods, like almonds, protein bars and fruits, throughout the day to prevent a drop in blood sugar, and, consequently, a reduction in work performance.
Optimum work performance is readily achieved in part by consuming nutrients that foster the production of dopamine, which plays a key role in motivation and engagement. Healthy foods are beneficial for not only the physical body but the creative mind.
Once the current health crisis ends, employees will have the option to return to the office. Some staff will jump at the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues. When they return, however, the physical office may need to be redesigned to accommodate new coronavirus health safety guidelines.
Work with an Office Mover
Chicago Office Movers is prepared to provide the moving services for office renovation and remodeling to facilitate an upcoming project. Prior to the office renovation, our moving crews will carefully relocate furniture and equipment. We pack and label boxes and disassemble appliances and equipment.
Once the office renovation or update is complete, the moving crews at Chicago Office Movers will set up the new equipment and reinstall appliances. We also provide unpacking services. Our goal is to ensure your office space is ready for your employees as quickly and affordably as possible.
Whether your company is considering an office renovation, remodeling, or relocation, choose Chicago Office Movers for your moving needs. Our reputable moving company serves Chicagoland businesses with dedication, and countless satisfied customers can attest to our professionalism.
Relocating a business involves risk, and, therefore, several months of planning, negotiating with landlords and ensuring the transition causes the least disruption to operations. While small businesses can relocate sooner, large and average-sized offices can expect the following moving timetable.
An average office move can take up to 12 months, however, most office moves handled by Chicago Office Movers usually take between 5 and 9 months
1. Look for a New Space 12 Months in Advance
Business owners who anticipate relocating should begin planning at least 12 months in advance. Plans for moving start with looking for a new office space. Finding the right office can take a substantial amount of time, especially when multiple decision-makers are involved in the process.
The current office may no longer suit the needs of the business. Rapidly growing businesses require a larger office space. Downsizing also prompts business owners to search for a new, smaller space. A visit to the prospective location is important to get a sense of what the space affords.
Certain cities will require a larger or smaller budget, which can potentially exclude some locations from the search. Consider location, such as urban or suburban, and public transportation options for employees. Nearby neighborhood amenities also contribute to the quality of employee work life.
When on the hunt for a new office, factor in the lease terms. Short-term leases are attractive for small businesses, especially those that are likely to outgrow an existing space within a short span of time. It is also helpful to explore the community of tenants to determine affability.
2. Seal the Deal with a Landlord 3 to 6 Months in Advance
Once a desirable office space is found, negotiate the lease terms with the landlord. Commercial leases are flexible and typically average three years. Work with a tenant rep broker or a lawyer who can win favorable deals and help a business owner understand complex clauses.
Counteroffer asked base rent, initially offering 10 to 15 percent less than what the landlord asks. Try to negotiate on more than one location at a time, which allows business owners to walk away from at least one negotiation. Be aware that a longer lease term results in a better base rent.
3. Announce the Relocation 2 to 6 Months in Advance
Office staff should be informed of the upcoming move well in advance. Hold a staff meeting and provide each member of the office team with a detailed plan of the move. Ask for input from employees that would help make the relocation smoother and less disruptive to business operations.
If possible, allow a virtual tour of the new office space. Once team members see where they will be working, they will know what to expect and can continue performing without the tension often associated with being unprepared for the future.
Delegate tasks to each employee in preparation for the relocation. Check to see if any office employees require new equipment. An option to retain good employees is to offer a relocation package, which may include transportation expenses, temporary housing and finding a home.
4. Hire a Commercial Mover 4 to 8 Weeks in Advance
A commercial moving company experienced in corporate relocations will be a company’s biggest asset when it comes to facilitating a smooth office move. Research a handful of potential commercial movers, paying careful attention to customer reviews and ratings, affordability, and availability.
Spring and summer are the peak moving seasons, and moving companies are tightly booked. Relocating during the off-peak seasons of autumn and winter is cost effective and gives business owners increased flexibility and scheduling options. Plus, fall and winter’s less congested highways speed up the move.
5. Pack IT Equipment 1 to 3 Weeks in Advance
Once the relocation date is set, hire information technology (IT) professionals to back up all important business data. Experts are necessary to prevent risks, such as the loss of information. Technology can be replaced, but the sensitive business data cannot.
The process for packing and relocating IT equipment, including disconnecting services and shutting down systems, is lengthy and complex. Hire IT technicians if experienced employees are unavailable to disconnect all cables safely and correctly. Photograph wire connections so that reassembly is easier at the new destination.
6. Prepare the New Office Within 1 to 4 Months
Once the commercial mover arrives at the new office destination, it is time to unpack and prepare the new workspace. Depending on the size of the office and the number of personnel, this process can range from one to four months.
All office furniture and equipment will need to be unpacked and reassembled. Professionally set up the IT systems and equipment. Establish all utilities and internet connections. In the event any equipment is damaged during transport, be prepared to start immediate repairs or replace the units.
Work with a Commercial Mover
A corporate relocation is a stressful event but partnering with a commercial mover with experience shifting large and small companies to new destinations eliminates the tension. Chicago Office Movers is a highly rated commercial mover with services that will meet all your business relocation needs.
Crews at Chicago Office Movers are licensed, trained and background-checked to ensure your business goods are handled safely and securely. We have successfully moved fragile IT systems, delicate electronics, antiques, science lab equipment, artwork, heavy office furniture and cubicles.
Chicago Office Movers’ trucks are climate-controlled and feature air-ride suspensions, so that your technology remains protected during transport. With full access to our tracking equipment, business owners have the ability to track the movement of goods during the relocation process.
Follow in the footsteps of prestigious companies, like Alcatel Lucent and Northwestern University, that have utilized our commercial moving services with great satisfaction. Our multiple five-star ratings are a testimony to our commitment to excellence and dedication to serving area businesses.
Get a Free Estimate
Choose Chicago Office Movers for reliable and comprehensive corporate relocation services. We provide budget-friendly moving services, from long- and short-term storage to packing and unpacking.
Whether you plan to move locally, long distance or internationally, contact us for a free estimate at 312-244-2246 or by filling out a contact form.
Director of Marketing & Development Office: (847) 621-5176 Cell: (312) 497-3203
At Chicago Office Movers, Kari-Ann is our Director of Marketing & Development. As the master of visibility, she is responsible for all things Branding and Marketing related. Kari-Ann comes to us with experiences in Marketing for a multi-brand and multi-location company, the service industry, non profit marketing event planning and fundraising, and retail management. She is the Chair of the Board for the Schaumburg Business Association 2021 & 2022, a member of the Elk Grove Village Chamber Board of Directors, and past chair and top fundraiser for the Northwest Suburban Walk To End Alzheimer’s.
Kari-Ann received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Western Michigan University. She is Master Certified in Constant Contact Email Marketing and has held numerous social media training classes.
An office renovation demands flexibility. The last thing a business owner needs is an interruption to workflow amidst the disruptions already caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The reduced workforce prompted by the health crisis might, however, provide a timely opportunity to renovate an office.
Here are some tips on how to complete the renovation project.
1. Develop a Strategy
Firstly, it is important to devise a renovation strategy. Develop a renovation budget to guide the project from the planning stage through completion. Evaluate the costs of construction, materials, labor and extras. Surprise costs are not uncommon, so budget to accommodate unanticipated expenses.
An office renovation is likely to disrupt workflow. Consider where to put employees, provided staff still work onsite. If the office is nearly empty as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, repositioning existing personnel during the renovation will be less problematic.
When crafting an office renovation design, keep in mind important factors that will affect operations. Evaluate the potential for future growth, advancements in technology, functionality, employee work preferences and the number of office staff. Business owners may consider current office design trends.
A proposed timeline will be extremely beneficial to ensure a smooth renovation. In Chicagoland, the office building may be exposed to harsh winter weather. Certain phases of the renovation may be affected by snow and ice. Factor in delays due to inclement weather to avoid unexpected costs.
2. Communicate
Keep lines of communication open with all the people involved in the office renovation project. These professionals include the design team, general contractor, office staff, landlord and stakeholders. Everyone should be informed about the anticipated work schedule and project plans.
Send out a proposed work schedule to everyone involved, and ensure it is updated whenever changes occur. Involve employees by holding a virtual meeting (due to COVID-19 concerns) and ask them to voice their concerns and design preferences before construction even starts.
3. Maintain Productivity
An office renovation can temporarily disrupt employee productivity, even when staff work remotely. Avoid a drop in productivity for office employees who continue to work onsite by communicating often, minimizing construction noise, and ensuring adequate artificial or natural light are available.
The current pandemic has forced many office staff to work from home. An office with minimal employees onsite is ideal for starting and finishing construction work. If staff still work onsite, schedule contractors in the late evening hours when employees are gone.
4. Build Health Safety Features
The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced drastic changes to businesses. As lockdown measures encourage remote workforces, business owners may consider subdividing existing office space. The resulting smaller units make better use of the decreased employee footprint upon which businesses now rely.
Office floorplans must be altered in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Social distancing will continue, and the office must accommodate public health safety measures. Place workstations farther apart, and build cubicle dividers high enough to prevent respiratory droplets from reaching other staff.
If cubicles are too pricey for the budget or do not complement the office layout, install sneeze guards instead. Plastic or glass shields protect employees from respiratory droplets emitted through sneezing and coughing. Sneeze guards may be portable or permanent and are affordable.
Proper ventilation is critical in the coronavirus era, especially in offices with moderate- and high-risk exposure. Clean, fresh air (without re-circulation) is necessary inside offices. During the renovation, increase ventilation in the office via natural or artificial means. Clean air filters regularly, too.
5. Capitalize on Strengths
Most office buildings have strengths. Focus on what features made the building attractive when it was brand-new. The building might have solid structure. If so, consider taking down some walls to allow more natural light into the interior space. Or, open the space to increase the property’s value.
Update the property with finishes and graphics. Consider freshening up the signage, which is a cost-effective measure. The goal is to enhance the building’s curb appeal to create a positive first impression. Keep in mind that younger generation employees seek more daylight and open spacing.
Install environmentally friendly features during the office renovation. When designing or installing new electrical fixtures, plan on using technologies that save energy, such as long-lasting, low-energy light bulbs. Add sensors or time switches to lighting to prevent a waste of energy.
Build out the office using locally sourced recycled, refurbished and sustainable materials. Encourage efficient waste policies by adding centrally located recycling areas. Donate outdated furniture instead of discarding them in the trash. Environmentally friendly companies are more attractive to customers.
Once the office has been successfully renovated, employees who temporarily work remotely will return. Rather than expect them to jump in, introduce staff to the changes. Train employees on the new technologies and the space in which they will work. Provide tours and video training, too.
Commercial Moving Services
Commercial contractors are considered essential workers during the coronavirus pandemic. Locating a suitable contractor to begin renovations will require an investment of time and resources. When you’ve settled on a reliable contractor, you’ll require the commercial moving services of Chicago Office Movers.
An office renovation requires the physical ability to move all the desks, filing cabinets, chairs and equipment. Chicago Office Movers provides the manpower companies need to clear space for a renovation project. Our commercial movers are also available to disassemble equipment.
Chicago Office Movers are trained to skillfully and carefully pack, label and move office goods to an offsite storage facility or another building. Our office movers load all boxes into our secure moving truck. Our teams also dispose of or donate old office furniture.
Moving crews from Chicago Office Movers will unpack and reassemble any equipment and furniture once the renovation is complete. We also unpack small office supplies, plants and decorations so that your commercial space is usable immediately after the office renovation.
Contact Us
Chicago Office Movers takes every precaution during the turbulent pandemic. We clean and disinfect moving trucks and practice social distancing.
When your Chicago, Illinois, office will be renovated in the near future, consult Chicago Office Movers at 312-244-2246 or through a contact form for expert handling of your office goods. We provide free estimates.
