A fun office is a more productive one, simply because employees are motivated, creative, and enjoy team-building opportunities. These happy staff members look forward to working in their team environment. Here are strategies to give the office a dose of fun.

What are the benefits of a fun office?

Employees who work in a fun office generally feel happier, which in turn fosters a pleasant work environment. When company leaders give staff members an opportunity to get to know one another personally through fun work functions, they experience an invaluable boost in morale.

An office where hobbies are encouraged inspires employees. Office staff have the chance to transfer their creativity to work-related tasks. Collaboration also increases when office workers learn to work well together—and this occurs when they participate in fun activities.

Lastly, working for a company that values a fun office culture helps prevent burnout in even the most dedicated employees. Office managers who incorporate fun activities into the workday give staff a chance to relax from stressful projects and prevent overexertion.

1. Celebrate Birthdays and Milestones

Office managers are encouraged to celebrate every chance they get to improve the enjoyability of working in the office and increasing productivity. One of the simplest ways to achieve this end is to celebrate employees’ birthdays and workplace milestones.

Extravagant parties for birthdays or work anniversaries are unnecessary. Rather, inspire employees by hosting an ice cream social or happy hour. Team members love a celebratory atmosphere, which helps them feel like family. In turn, these bonded employees enjoy more productive collaborations.

2. Organize Office Sports Teams

Motivate staff by playing sports after office hours. Friendly competition results when teams are established by department or organizational rank; for example, team up company leaders against office employees. Sports that coworkers can play include baseball, volleyball, soccer, or basketball.

On a smaller scale, foosball and ping pong can be played in an office game room. Office workers release built-up tensions as they compete. Managers might even host board or card tournaments, where teams of employees have a chance to win attractive prizes.

3. Implement a Vision Board

Organizational goals are reached when office managers set up a vision board prominently in the workplace. Incorporate the company’s branding, logo, and colors. Then ask employees to add their personal career goals, which may prompt discussion about how to support professional growth.

4. Share Jokes

Workplace jokes add joviality. Share jokes via mass emails or group chats to bring smiles to the faces of colleagues. Choose jokes that align with the company’s mission; for example, offices that work in the field of childcare can create a list of amusing things they’ve heard kids say.

5. Praise Employees Publicly

Create a Wall of Fame that recognizes the accomplishments of employees. Company leaders can post photos of staff members with captions underneath describing the reasons for their recognition. Colleagues then have a chance to congratulate them on their professional achievements.

Offering consistent praise in the workplace enhances the productivity of team members. When adding a Wall of Fame to the office, establish a schedule to ensure that recognition is given on a regular basis. Enhance the Wall of Fame’s design so that staff enjoy viewing it.

6. Introduce an Office Mascot

An office mascot doesn’t need to dress up in a costume and dance. Rather, bring a cat or dog to the office and watch as employees improve their work-life balance, nurture productivity, and decrease their stress. A pet in the office rewards staff with higher levels of happiness and productivity.

Responsibilities come with bringing a pet into the workplace. Set up a schedule for employees to walk the dog or set up a food bowl for the cat. Employees benefit from taking breaks to walk the pets and sharing their workspaces with friendly felines or canines.

7. Create Multiple Workspaces

In today’s offices, staff are no longer tied down to a desk and chair. The most fun workplaces give employees flexibility with seating and desks. Integrate adjustable-height desks, multi-person tables, and stools. Mobile technology makes it easy to work anywhere in the office.

Team members will jump at the chance for a change in scenery. Even adding an option to work standing instead of sitting can be rewarding for some staff. Offer a variety of workspace and seating options to increase employees’ flow of creative juices.

8. Utilize Natural Lighting

Rows of fluorescent lighting do little for staff energy levels and productivity. Employees respond better to natural lighting, which can be increased by opening window curtains in the office. Or, install adaptive lighting, which emits cooler tones in the morning and warmer tones in the afternoon.

Sometimes, what an office needs is to relocate to a building with numerous windows, various workstations, and more collaboration spaces. When you have big plans to move your company to greener pastures, bring in the experienced office movers from Chicago Office Movers.

Our Chicagoland commercial moving service offers companies, both large and small, a range of conveniences to meet all their relocation needs. Moving crews from Chicago Office Movers are licensed and background-checked to give you peace of mind as they handle the office goods.

We also provide packing and unpacking services, a benefit for businesses that aim to resume operations immediately upon arriving at their destination. Our specialists can help you plan an efficient corporate move, which can take months to finalize, and then execute the detailed plan.

As one of the most trusted corporate movers in the area, Chicago Office Movers is ready to give you premium services at an affordable rate. We’ve moved a range of sensitive and bulky office property, from IT systems to science labs, for prestigious area companies, including Alcatel Lucent.

When you want to work with an award-winning commercial mover, choose Chicago Office Movers. We’re based in Chicago, Illinois, and we’ll relocate your business locally, long-distance, or internationally.

When your company has plans to move locally, long-distance, or internationally, call our Chicago, Illinois, location at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO) or fill out a form for a free estimate.

Relocating to greener pastures requires a star-studded announcement, one that gives current and potential customers news about where the business is headed. Let's face it, announcing a relocation of your business can be stressful. There are many things to consider before sending out an official statement, including the effect it will have on your business and clients, employees, vendors, and partners.

Announcing the relocation of the business can be done in several ways, and here are a few that deserve mention. By following these steps, you can reach out to your customers, clients, vendors, and partners in an effective way to let them know about the move and explain any possible changes that may happen.

1. Notify employees

Employees should hear about the relocation first. After all, employees are the backbone of the business, keeping it running and functioning in the most optimal way possible. The staff should ideally hear about the move at the same time, such as at a breakfast or lunch meeting.

Let the staff know the reason behind the move, whether it is to upgrade the facility or be closer to a talent pool. Provide a physical document listing important details about the move: location address, move date, moving company contact person, and instructions for how to prepare.

Engaging employees helps boost morale. Show them how the new location will benefit them; perhaps the new workspace will be closer to their homes, public transportation, or restaurants. If the move is long distance, give the staff details of their relocation package.

2. Inform customers and business contacts

Letting customers know about the new business location can be done in a few ways. An email newsletter can inform them of the new address, reasons for the move, hours of operation, and other pertinent information; however, emails can get lost in spam folders or accidentally deleted.

A surefire way to notify existing customers and business contacts is to mail them a postcard containing all the relevant details, including a note about doing business in the new location. In order to cover all the bases, send both a virtual announcement and a physical one.

Be sure to contact VIP clients directly, before making a public announcement of the business relocation. Personally calling important clients who have made large purchases shows them how much their business is valued and that a continued business relationship is appreciated.

Announcement letters should contain the following: the new business address with a map of the location, hours of operation and phone number (even if they stay the same), the company website and email addresses, and contact information in case clients have questions.

A few business clients may be nervous about the company’s upcoming move. It can be reassuring to them to offer the contact information, such as email and phone number, of a designated move coordinator who will respond to their concerns and answer any questions.

3. Update the company website

All digital properties should be utilized to announce the company relocation. Create an attractive banner announcing the move and position it on the company’s homepage. Include the move date and a positive reason for moving. Keep the banner on the website for at least six months.

4. Write blogs announcing the move

Well before the move date, post a blog containing details about the upcoming move. In the blog, emphasize how the move will benefit clients instead of writing about what the company is going through. Clients want the security of knowing the business will be there for them after the move.

Rather than post just one blog, write multiple blogs about the upcoming relocation. Use the blogs as an opportunity to drum up excitement about what’s ahead for the business and how the innovations will benefit customers. Blogs can even be utilized to recharge the company brand.

5. Utilize social media

The eye-catching banner announcing the move on the company website should also be posted on the company’s social media sites, which may include Facebook, Twitter, and any other online platforms. As on the website, the banner should remain on the social sites for six months.

6. Advertise

Radio and print ads announcing the relocation should only be utilized if the company has a proven track record for reaching customers through these media outlets. If choosing print media ads, keep them running with information about the new business location for at least six months.

7. Keep communications positive

While the days and weeks surrounding the relocation can be stressful, it’s important that all announcements regarding the move be kept positive. An optimistic tone is essential even if the move is unexpected, undesired, or is prompted by less than lackluster circumstances.

Take the opportunity to add to the announcements how customers will benefit. Advantages that can come with a relocation include upgraded facilities or new service offerings. Consider offering special promotions either before the move occurs or after it is complete.

Following the above checklist ensures that everyone involved with the business, from employees to clients and partners, are well aware of the upcoming move and fully prepared. Relocating companies can be assured they will not lose their valued existing customers.

Moving to a New Office?

Before announcing the move, company leaders must hire a reputable mover to handle the relocation from start to finish. One commercial mover that business leaders count on is Chicago Office Movers. We are equipped with skilled movers and protective equipment to ensure a seamless move.

Our licensed and background-checked moving crews are experienced in handling all aspects of a corporate relocation. We will plan the move as well as pack, load, and unpack all company goods safely and efficiently. Boxes and crates are provided to protect fragile items.

Chicago Office Movers’ trucks are climate controlled and feature lift gates and air-ride suspensions to fully safeguard all company property. Our trucks are equipped with tracking equipment, so customers can track the move throughout the process. Rest assured that your items will be handled with care.

Our long list of satisfied clients, like Northwestern University and Alcatel Lucent, speak to our commitment to excellence. Leaders of companies both large and small find our budget-friendly and efficient office relocation services to be exactly what they are looking for.

Whether your upcoming relocation is local, long distance or international, choose Chicago Office Movers. We offer comprehensive moving services, from storage options to insurance and service contracts. Call our Chicago, Illinois, office for a free estimate and take your business to greener pastures.

Contact us for your upcoming local, long distance or international move at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO).

Business is booming, and a quaint office in a bustling business community is in the works. While seemingly straightforward, renting an office requires more than picking a prime location and signing on the dotted line. Rather, first-time office renters are encouraged to consider these important tips.

Renting an office space adds legitimacy to the business. The ideal office space is one that gives the business plenty of room to grow. The right office space also promotes the brand to potential visitors, customers, and partners. Employees feel proud and productive working in an accommodating space.

By the time the decision to rent an office is made, it’s clear that the space is necessary. A home office, virtual office, or coworking space do not meet business demands. Rather, a physical location gives the business a verified Google listing and increases visibility in local search results.

Tip 1: Create a budget

Every business investment begins with a budget and renting an office space is no different. Be flexible when creating a budget for an office space. Compromising the quality of an office space for the sake of staying under budget is not recommended. Overspending is equally important to avoid.

Renting a low-priced office space in a building that is falling apart sends the message to potential customers and visitors that the business is struggling. On the other hand, spending lavishly on a building space leads to unwanted financial stresses. Prepare a flexible budget and stay within it.

Tip 2: Determine space requirements

Companies have different needs when it comes to space requirements. Geographic location, industry, and the company itself play major roles in how much space a business requires. An entrepreneur will find a private office sufficient, while an enterprise company may need large workspaces that accommodate hundreds of employees.

Factors, like future growth, influence the office space requirements. Consider whether or not the business is expected to grow during the course of the lease. A company that is projected to expand must determine how many square feet per person will be necessary in the next few years.

Tip 3: Assess included amenities

An ideal office space caters to not only guests but to the employees working onsite. A fully functional space allows staff members the opportunity to be productive. Examples of amenities include fiber internet, onsite management, copiers and scanners, on-demand conference rooms, and mail service.

A break room or small kitchen will be one to which employees can run to for a cup of coffee or a snack. Expect productivity to increase when staff members are not forced to make trips to the local coffeehouse whenever they need a jolt of caffeine.

Tip 4: Consider accessibility

When eyeing potential office spaces, consider how far employees will have to commute to work. Or, choose an office that is close to public transportation. An onsite bike rack may be appreciated by staff who bike to work. Employees will be equally grateful for nearby coffee shops and restaurants.

Another important yet often overlooked consideration is access to plentiful parking. Prevent employees from the hassle of hunting for parking each workday. Nearby parking helps staff arrive at the office on time. In fact, a dedicated parking area is a major advantage.

Tip 5: Understand the lease

Understanding the terms of the lease starts with examining it from top to bottom. Be aware of flexibility in the terms, such as discounts for signing a longer lease. A one- or two-year contract can be beneficial to established businesses, while a shorter lease is appealing for evaluating satisfaction levels.

Some landlords may not allow office tenants to perform major renovations, such as tearing down walls or completely changing the appearance of the office. While customizing an office space is desirable, find out what is allowed before signing the lease. Otherwise, the company could be charged for damages.

Lease terms are significant, so it is recommended to have a commercial real estate attorney review it. Also critical, especially to growing businesses, is to lease a space with room to grow. It’s impractical to sign a three-year lease and outgrow it within the first year.

Tip 6: Choose a prime location

Location needs differ among companies. Choosing a location in a prime business district, for instance, can drive immediate recognition and project an image of longstanding success. Find a spot that is near highways and public transportation to make it easier for clients to travel to the business.

Tip 7: Ask about security

Building security is of utmost importance to employees and equipment. Ask how the building is secured. Security measures may include a security guard, manned entryways, or after-hours security. Learn about keycard access, security cameras, and safety procedures enforced during an emergency.

Work with a Commercial Mover

A final tip for first-time office renters is partnering with a commercial mover that is reputable, affordable and has a stellar reputation for excellence, such as Chicago Office Movers. Given our decades of experience with commercial moves, we will ensure your office relocation runs as smoothly as possible.

Our budget-friendly moves are performed by licensed, background checked and union movers. Corporate clients receive consistent, top-notch and customized services from our dedicated moving crews. We have successfully handled local, long-distance and international relocations of companies both large and small.

Chicago Office Movers’ services are comprehensive. We offer short- and long-term storage, paperwork storage, and add-on services to ensure satisfaction. Our moving trucks feature lift gates, air-ride suspensions and are climate controlled to keep your office goods secure during transport.

Our dedicated crews have safely moved a range of office equipment, from fragile antiques to IT systems and science lab equipment. Packing and unpacking are optional services. Companies that work with us also receive plenty of help with planning their office relocation.

As a first-time office renter, you’ll need an experienced office mover behind you to ensure the most stress-free moving experience possible. You’ll receive this benefit and many more when you work with Chicago Office Movers. Give our Chicago, Illinois, office a call today for a free estimate.

Simply choosing the right office space remarkably enhances employee productivity and accurately reflects the company culture. But finding the perfect office environment may not be as simple as it sounds. Numerous factors, like the ones that follow, should be carefully weighed.

A significant portion of an employee’s life is spent in the office, making it essential that the selected space naturally foster collaboration, engagement, and productivity. Today’s offices can be multifaceted, including open floor plans and private rooms. The right office space maximizes employee well-being.

1. Choose a location near the client base

Encouraging productivity in the office starts with choosing the right office space. However, diving right in and accepting the latest trends is impractical, since the unique company culture takes a backseat. What works for one company may not sit well for another.

Approach the relocation task by first considering the relevant demographics. The perfect office space is one that reaches the client base. For example, a tech company would sensibly choose to relocate its headquarters to an area highly concentrated with software manufacturers.

Consider a space located within a business district. Potential clients will take notice when a company is a key participant in networking events held by the local business community. Being in close physical proximity to clients not only provides networking opportunities but convenience.

Other considerations include choosing an office space in accordance with the nature of the business. A spacious reception area may be necessary for companies receiving regular visits from clients. Similarly, a media theater will facilitate large conferences or major company presentations.

2. Choose an accessible space

Boost employee morale by choosing an accessible office space, basically one with ample parking and limited traffic problems. Most office staff prefer a short commute. By choosing an office location that is close to employees’ homes, a company can be assured of happy, productive employees.

In reality, however, less than a third of companies are near employees’ homes; but a space close to public transportation is a preferable alternative. When commuting is not a daily hassle, companies are more likely to attract and retain a pool of qualified workers from a wider geographic area.

Assess the company culture before choosing an office space. A dynamic company culture with happy hour Fridays will ideally be located near restaurants and bars. In fact, 16 percent of polled office staff want to be near restaurants, with 9 percent wanting to be close to coffee shops.

One way to accurately gauge what’s right for the staff is to ask them what location options offer easy routes to work. Bear in mind that a long and expensive commute can lead to employees looking elsewhere for jobs with a convenient commute.

3. Choose a comfortable office space

An office with ceilings reaching at least ten feet high is one that conveys a sense of freedom, a feeling that improves employee satisfaction and engagement, especially for workers in creative fields. Similarly, plentiful natural and artificial light promote feelings of comfort and ease.

While the majority of today’s office spaces are open plan, implementing this type of layout should be done carefully. Increase employee satisfaction by respecting the need for privacy in the workplace. Include private rooms for taking calls or quiet areas for meditations, for example.

Visual, aesthetic appeal is also significant. An office filled with quality furniture and interior finishes is one that employees will enjoy heading to each workday. A picturesque view, whether from the balcony, windows or rooftop, equally promotes employees’ workplace satisfaction.

4. Choose an ideally sized space

The right office space houses employees comfortably. Choosing a building with extensive square footage will comfortably meet the needs of a large staff. Cramming several employees into a small space will adversely affect productivity. Likewise, avoid choosing too large a space to avoid wasting it.

The rule of thumb is to give each employee 21 square meters. Per this general guideline, a company with 100 employees would require a building of at least 2,100 square meters. Companies aiming to grow should factor in their future growth and choose a larger, more flexible office space.

Startups can expect growth. Scalability and flexibility become important when these companies search for a new office space. The right office environment will accommodate additional desks and staff; infrastructure can be enhanced; and, renovations will be permitted in the building.

Small companies expecting to grow may be unable to finance a bigger space right away. When working with a limited budget, opt for a shorter lease. Include terms in the contract that give the company the first right of negotiation when an adjacent space becomes vacant.  Or, consider the option to stay in a coworking space before committing to something long term.

Hunting for the right office space requires due diligence on the part of company leaders. Leasing an office is recommended, since the company will enjoy the freedom to experiment with new ideas. By carefully selecting the right office environment, employees trust that they are valued.

Work with an Office Mover

At Chicago Office Movers, we also understand value, which is why we offer affordable corporate relocation options that help companies move seamlessly. Our moving services are designed with the business customer in mind and therefore meet the needs of companies both large and small.

Your corporate relocation will receive the undivided attention from our licensed, trained, and background checked moving specialists. We create a moving plan, pack your office goods, and unpack them at the destination. Our secure storage facilities are available for the long or short term.

Office goods are loaded into the climate-controlled spaces of our trucks, which feature lift gates and air-ride suspensions that keep items secure during transport. Additionally, all business customers are kept up to date on the progress of the move via our professional tracking equipment.

Join the ranks of satisfied customers, like Alcatel Lucent and University of Chicago, when you choose Chicago Office Movers for your upcoming corporate relocation. Count on the experience and efficient processes delivered by our qualified crews of office movers. Call our Chicago, Illinois, office for details.

Contact Us

When you are moving your business, Chicago Office Movers can provide you with the commercial and long-distance moving services that you need. Given our industry experience and excellent reputation, we will help you relocate affordably and on schedule.

Contact us for your upcoming local, long distance or international move at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO).

Shifting to a new office space is a major milestone for a company. The move may signal business growth, or downsizing may be a practical reason to relocate. Moving a company, however, comes with many responsibilities, one of which is to make updates to keep customers and partners in the loop.

Companies relocate for many reasons. Expansion is one common cause for business relocations. The need to reduce operational costs can also spur a move. On the other hand, companies may see the value in consolidating offices and seek a lease with less surplus space.

Another good reason that companies relocate is to attract top talent. A new location may be closer to prospects, clients, and a skilled talent pool. Plus, outdated facilities will prompt any growth-oriented business to shift gears and relocate to a contemporary office that boosts employee productivity.

No matter what the reason for relocating a brick-and-mortar business, it is important that the company update existing and prospective customers, partners, and vendors. The last thing a business wants is for an outdated website to send customers to an empty storefront.

1. Update Business Address

All correspondence must be sent to the new business location. This requires that the business address be updated with the post office. Forward any mail to the new location, so that any correspondence sent to the old address will be received at the new one.

The business’ online presence should also be updated. It is a time-intensive effort to update the Chamber of Commerce, Yelp, Yahoo Local Basic Listing, Bing Places for Business and Angie’s List. If the business is travel related, like hotels, make updates to TripAdvisor.

Update online business directories on which the company is found. Examples of popular online business directories include Manta, EnrollBusiness, Hub, Find-Us-Here and The Business Journals. Listing a business on these sites is free, so unless upgrading, making updates will have no added costs.

The IRS and State Department of Revenue will need to know the new business address. It is important that company leaders receive all federal and state tax documents at the correct address. Inform government entities about updated phone numbers and information about licensing, too.

City or town governments also need to know about a new address. Local permits and certifications should be kept up to date. One way to keep these important documents updated is to notify the city or town government of the business relocation.

2. Update Social Media

The business’ social media accounts are ideal places to notify followers of an upcoming business relocation. Companies on the move are advised to update the company address and phone number (if applicable) on all their social media sites. Customers will head to social media for information.

If the business has a social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, update these sites with the new business information. A Facebook cover image may be redesigned to inform customers about the upcoming relocation and relevant new business contact information.

3. Update Marketing Materials

All marketing pieces should be updated with the new business information. Patrons of a business’ services or products hold onto physical items containing company information and reference them from time to time. Marketing collateral should not only be updated but redistributed.

Examples of common marketing materials include business cards that provide the company address, phone number and business name. Direct mail marketing reaches consumers in a specific area and needs an update. Brochures and posters are additional pieces of marketing collateral to be revised.

Businesses also communicate with consumers via newsletters. Sharing the new business address and phone in newsletters is simple and cost-effective. If using outdoor signs to reach customers, point to the new business location on updated signage. Also update email signatures.

4. Update Advertising Campaigns

Paid search campaigns that focus on a particular market should be updated to reflect the new market to which the business is advertising. Pieces of key information that require updates include the new address or location extensions. Updating ad campaigns will send customers to the right locale.

5. Update Credit Card Company and Bank

The company’s credit card company should be notified of the new business location. Banks, too, should be updated with accurate business information to prevent fraud. All financial entities should be made aware so that important financial documents will be sent to the right place.

6. Update Vendors, Clients and Customers

A new business location should prompt a call to all vendors with whom the company works. Inform existing customers of the relocation, so that they know where to find the business. It is helpful to even directly reach out to existing customers to inform them of the move.

7. Update Industry Associations

Trade associations provide useful information about the industry, such as legislation that could impact the business, so it is important to update industry associations. Industry trade groups should be able to find the business at its new location, so they can provide leads or pass along credentials.

Work with a Trusted Commercial Mover

Relocating to a new office is an exciting yet stressful time. Eliminate unnecessary stress by partnering with Chicagoland’s most trusted moving company, Chicago Office Movers. We skillfully assist large and small companies with their corporate relocation needs, whether locally, interstate and internationally.

Our numerous satisfied customers include prestigious universities and major corporations. Chicago Office Movers’ customer service is unparalleled in the industry, and our Chicago movers are licensed, background checked, trained, and experienced. Expect professionalism, affordability, and efficiency when you work with our crews.

Your office goods will be safe and secure in our climate-controlled moving trucks, featuring lift gates and air-ride suspensions. Our customers receive regular tracking updates via professional tracking equipment so they can follow the progress of the moving trucks during the relocation.

Whether you are moving office furniture, lab equipment, or fragile IT systems, Chicago Office Movers will take care of your possessions. Our specialists will also help your company with planning the move. As the Windy City’s most reputable moving company, choose us for your upcoming corporate relocation!

Get a Free Estimate

For a free estimate on your next business move, give us a call at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO) or fill out a form.