For workplace managers, few decisions carry as much weight as choosing whether to stay in your current office or relocate. This is especially true when a lease expiry looms, when your team has outgrown the space, or when shifting workforce expectations demand a change in how your environment functions. It’s not just a logistical choice, it’s a decision that can shape your organisation’s culture, productivity, and long-term trajectory.
Choosing the wrong path can lead to costly missteps. You might invest in a refurbishment that doesn’t solve fundamental inefficiencies. Or you could relocate unnecessarily, causing disruption, disengagement, and sunk costs that never translate into performance gains. The stakes are high. That’s why a rigorous, strategic assessment is essential.
Start by looking inward. How well is your current space working? Use data and observation to answer key questions: Are certain zones chronically underused? Is collaboration occurring naturally, or is it forced? Are meeting rooms booked out weeks in advance, while other areas sit idle? A clear-eyed audit of your layout can reveal whether your space is supporting or stifling productivity.
Even if your lease allows it, not every space is ripe for transformation. Consider your building’s limitations: HVAC systems, ceiling heights, power supply, or heritage restrictions. Sometimes the bones of a building simply can’t support the kind of space your business needs to thrive.
Next, weigh the financial and contractual considerations. What are the renewal terms? Will there be rent increases? Can you negotiate a landlord contribution towards fitout upgrades? Timing also plays a role – start the process early enough to retain negotiation leverage.
Moving is a major undertaking, but sometimes it’s the only strategic choice. If your space is too small, poorly located, or failing your team on a daily basis, relocation should be seriously considered. Poor building maintenance, outdated facilities, or a location that no longer aligns with your clients or talent pool are clear signals that change is needed.
Relocation isn’t just about new rent and moving trucks. It can mean business downtime, shifting staff commutes, updating addresses across systems, and the soft costs of transitioning teams. The total cost of change is far broader than many anticipate.
Moving also opens doors: proximity to new talent markets, improved access for clients, or a more modern, sustainable building. But weigh that against the loss of local networks and the comfort of familiarity. Every gain has a trade-off.
This is where rigour matters. Compare the cost of upgrading your current fitout against the full cost of moving, including new lease terms, design, construction, and disruption. Factor in potential productivity gains, staff engagement, and long-term savings. The right decision often hinges on this financial clarity.
Does your current location support your business strategy? Does it enable the growth, innovation, and cultural alignment you need for the next five years? Space is more than square metres, it’s a strategic asset.
What does your team think? Will a move affect retention or morale? Are there pain points in your current location, like parking or lack of amenities, that could be solved by going elsewhere? Involving your team early ensures better buy-in and decision accuracy.
Don’t just fix for now. Consider how your business might evolve in the next 3–5 years. Will today’s decision still serve you tomorrow? Reacting to immediate frustrations without strategic foresight often leads to regret.
What if your chosen path doesn’t work? Build in flexibility. If you stay, can you reconfigure again later? If you move, does your lease allow expansion? Thinking through contingencies protects you from uncertainty.
A stay decision isn’t the end—it’s the start of transformation. Redesign your space with intent. Align layout with behaviour. Bring in workplace strategy experts to ensure your investment addresses the root causes of underperformance, not just the symptoms.
A move needs meticulous planning: timelines, change management, communications. From securing the right location to designing your new workplace, every step should minimise disruption and maximise opportunity. Partnering with an experienced relocation team makes all the difference.
This isn’t a decision to make in isolation. A professional assessment brings objectivity, data, and experience. It protects your investment and avoids costly missteps. Whether you’re leaning toward staying or going, early expert advice is invaluable.
Great workplace strategy isn’t about gut feel. It’s grounded in data, culture, and business goals. It translates your challenges into clear criteria and weighs options accordingly. Engaging with workplace strategists ensures your final decision is not only right for today but fit for the future.
A smart decision starts with a systematic process:
Whether you decide to stay or go, the key is clarity, strategy, and expert execution. Companies like Contour Interiors help businesses navigate both scenarios—from strategic workplace redesigns to full-scale relocations with integrated workplace strategy.
Facing your own stay or go decision? Contour Interiors can help you assess your options and implement the right solution for your business. Contact us for a strategic workplace consultation.
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