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10 Questions to ask your team before moving office

Whatever your reason for needing a new office space, keeping a happy crew is essential for a smooth journey on to your next chapter.

Moving office often signals a time of growth. Everything is moving fast. You've been living with your current office space for a while now and as the staff count grows. The place is starting to feel crowded, and finally, you know it’s time to find somewhere new.  

Whatever your reason for needing a new office space, keeping a happy crew is essential for a smooth journey on to your next chapter.

So here are 10 questions to spark conversation in your team and make sure they feel included in the process. It can also help tackle any uncertainty they may have about the move. Making sure their views are heard and their needs are met to help retain the talent you’ve worked so hard to find.  

1. What are your current office gripes?

Is it excessive noise from colleagues, phone calls, or external factors getting in the way of their focus? Is the layout lacking dedicated quiet zones with soundproof booths?. Are there never enough meeting rooms for brainstorming sessions or presentations?

Identifying those specific pain points will help shape the new office into a haven for productivity and well-being.  

Consider offering a variety of types of space to work within the new office. This could include dedicated areas for focused work, presentation spaces for internal sessions or when clients come to visit.

2. What area of London would you ideally like to be in?

This one is a biggie. Understanding any preferred areas within central London, can help narrow down your search and ensure a location that is convenient for the whole team. What's your vibe as a business?

Are you a tech start-up wanting to be in the centre of the action? Or a digital agency looking for a spot surrounded by exciting brands and fresh street art at every turn?

Choosing the right location can set the tone for your day-to-day, and influence your working culture, so explore your options. Take a walk around the neighbourhood, try the restaurants, and soak up the atmosphere. 

Inviting, open-plan areas with designated collaboration zones equipped with whiteboards and comfortable seating will give the team flexibility and a sense of freedom to choose a space that suits their working style or the specific task they’re working on. 



3. How does your commute impact your work-life balance?

A bad commute can be a deal breaker, so the perfect office space can’t add 30 minutes to everyone’s daily commute. Explore the average commute times and preferred modes of transport within your team.

Are long commutes by public transport draining energy and impacting productivity? Are limited tube options causing frustration or additional costs? 

When searching for a new office location, prioritise areas with great transport links, like underground stations or bus stops within walking distance. Think about secure bike storage facilities.

It could even be an opportunity to explore your business’ green credentials and offer a cycle-to-work scheme or similar.

It’s a great time to reflect on your feasibility of flexible work arrangements, like the balance of office and remote work options or staggered start/finish times to ease commute burdens and enable childcare and family commitments. 


4. Do you prefer an open plan layout or private space – and should you have to choose?

Spend time understanding the individual work style preferences within your team. Do some team members thrive in the collaborative energy and social interaction of an open-plan layout, while others require the quiet focus of a private office?  

A hybrid, flexible approach is often the answer,  catering to diverse work styles , project requirements and even different moods. Within your private office, you can designate specific areas for collaboration, with whiteboards and comfy seating.

Balance this with quiet zones like phone booths or break-out spaces for those preferring focused work environments.

At Canvas, we spend time understanding how your team works best and we translate that into a space that works for your business, encouraging productivity and wellbeing with a personalised style to make it feel like home.  


 

5. What are the must-have office perks?

Go beyond the essentials and explore amenities that enhance your team’s wellbeing and work-life balance. Consider your budget and the space available in your private office, or explore offices that have communal or shared space where things on the “nice to have” list become much more realistic.
 
 

We have a great variety of amenities across our locations, including breakout spaces and 'chillout' areas with sofas and armchairs, pool tables and pinball machines, and even nap pods for a recharge when your brain needs it most.

Our General Managers know the locations very well and can provide you with welcome packs, with great suggestions of local eateries or gyms. 

Some of our locations also offer secure bike storage facilities and outdoor space to enjoy when the weather behaves itself.  

 

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6. How important is natural light in your office space?

Studies show natural light and access to outdoor spaces can significantly improve wellbeing, focus, and even creativity. And we couldn’t agree more. All our offices are selected for their abundance of natural light with large windows and skylights.

No more wondering what time it is or what the weather’s doing, sitting in a strip-lit box – yuk! Enjoy cityscapes at St. John’s Lane or look out onto the green space of Mark Street Gardens at our Luke Street office.

We actively seek out locations with access to outdoor spaces like balconies, terraces, or even nearby parks for your teams to take breaks and connect with nature. 



7. Does the design and décor of our office space matter to you?

While you have the final say, involving your team in discussions about the design and decor of the new office creates a sense of ownership and empowerment. This allows you to create a space that reflects your company culture and resonates with your employees. 

We offer a collaborative design process where we work with you to understand your company culture and brand identity. We work with your team's feedback and preferences to create options for an environment that enables them to do their best work in surroundings that feel like home. 

8. How do you like to collaborate?

Understand how your team prefers to collaborate. Do they find dedicated meeting rooms most effective, or do they favour more informal settings like lounge areas and breakout spaces? Do they like to get out of the office and host meetings at cafes or a working lunch meeting at a bar or restaurant? 

Our offices offer a range of collaboration spaces from informal get-togethers for two or more structured meetings for 30+ people. Plenty of dedicated meeting rooms and comfy lounge areas with beanbags and soft furnishings make sure there’s a space to suit your session.

All our buildings are located in areas of Central London that are packed with incredible places to eat, drink, work, rest, and play. This means you’ll never be stuck for ideas when the team need a change of scenery to spark inspiration.  




9. If you could describe your dream office, what would it look like?

Reaching for the stars might not quite be in your budget. But making elements of those aspirations attainable can go a long way in satisfying your team, especially if they come at a surprisingly affordable cost. Encourage your team to dream big and share their vision for the new office.

This can spark new ideas and provide valuable insights into their needs and desires. 

While we can't offer everything in every location, we strive to provide a flexible and adaptable workspace that can accommodate your changing needs and preferences as your business grows and develops.

Exploring creative solutions to make your dream office space a reality is part of our every day, and we’re always open to discussing specific requests for your team. 

10. Anything else on your mind?

Open communication is key. Encourage your team to talk through any concerns or suggestions they might have about the move, no matter how big or small. 

Throughout the process, keep your team informed about progress, decisions, and potential challenges. Set up an open forum or meetings to answer questions in person and address any concerns directly.

Always remember to thank your team for their input, acknowledge their role in the decision-making process, and express your thanks for their trust and enthusiasm. 

 

If you’re considering a Canvas building in your mix of options, we are always available to answer any questions and address any concerns your team may have throughout the entire search and relocation process. We even help you move in. We wish you luck in the next chapter of your exciting adventure, wherever you choose as your new home.