So your business is expanding, you’ve hired more staff than ever before and things couldn’t be going any better, expect for one thing; you’re quickly outgrowing your office space.

Here’s what you need to do next…

Work out whether you need a bigger office

If things are getting a little cramped in your current premises, the first thing you may consider is moving somewhere with more room. The main problem with this though is it will most likely cost you more to rent or buy a bigger space.

So you need to assess whether you actually need a bigger office, or whether you could overcome the overcrowding by offering your employees the opportunity to work remotely. This will not only help solve the spatial problem, it can also help cut your overheads and help increase staff morale and productivity.

Talk to your staff

Business may be booming but talk of an office move can quickly lead to rumours of leaving for another area and even redundancies. So make sure the first thing you do is talk to your employees, keep them in the loop every step of the way and even involve them in any consultations if possible; this will help ensure they feel valued and keep morale high – and the rumour mill quiet.

Consider multiple locations

If remote working isn’t an option, or it’s not helping as much as you thought it might, it may be time to look at working across multiple locations so you don’t have to uproot and move everything, lock, stock and barrel. Or it can at least buy yourself some time while you look into moving the whole operation.

So if you’re unlikely to need everyone in the one place at once, it might be worth looking at another office space to house one or more other departments. And you can even hold virtual meetings across the two sites by using video conferencing technology.

You could even consider moving your team to a co-working office with another business that shares your working culture. Not only will this give you the space you need at a knock-down price, you’ll have plenty of networking opportunities with like-minded business types.

Have a word with your landlord

If you rent your space and have decided moving office is the only way to go, the first thing you should do is speak with your current landlord to see if they have something available or know of someone who might.

This will not only be a good way to break the news to your landlord, you may be able to move to a bigger space and keep the current terms of your lease, saving you both time and money.

Keep your eyes open

If you’re planning a move it’s important you’re always on the lookout for a new space as many properties are snapped up as soon as they become vacant. And don’t just look for a similar office to the one you currently occupy, think outside the box and see if there are any alternative spaces that could be transformed into a modern office; hopefully you’ll get it at a knock down price or at least have it kitted out with all mod cons before you move in. Many businesses are beginning to look to alternative office styles to help mix things up a little in the hope that, in turn, it’ll boost productivity and creativity. Stanley Grange office space, located just outside of Liverpool, compromises of converted Victorian farm buildings within a tranquil setting; places like this are ideal for a business with a growing team who’re looking to vacate a cramped, busy city, office space.

Are you in charge of a growing business? Let us know how you’ve overcome the hurdles of expanding your office space for a growing team.

See also: Office space saving ideas – A look at what British small businesses can do to take better advantage of their existing office space