So, you’re thinking about renovating your business. Exciting! A fresh, updated space can do wonders for your brand and employee morale. But let’s be honest—no one wants to deal with the headaches that come with renovations, especially if it means disrupting your day-to-day operations. The good news? It doesn’t have to be that way. Really, with some smart planning and a few key strategies, you can keep things running smoothly while you give your business a facelift.
So call your renovation contractor and use these 3 tips to help you pull it off!
Plan Renovations in Phases
Breaking things up into phases is a great way to avoid turning your whole business into a construction zone. It helps you stay open and keep customers happy while still getting the updates you need.
You want to:
- Start by deciding which parts of your business need the most attention. Maybe the front of the house needs work ASAP, but the back office can wait a bit.
- Work with your contractors to schedule renovations during your slowest times. Think weekends, evenings, or even overnight if you’re in a 24/7 operation.
- Set up temporary congregation areas for your employees and customers. Maybe a portable workstation or a different entrance could do the trick.
Communicate Clearly with Stakeholders
Keeping everyone in the loop is non-negotiable. Whether it’s your employees, customers, or suppliers, clear communication helps manage expectations and keeps everyone happy.
You want to:
- Send out weekly updates about the renovation progress. Emails, social media posts, and in-store signs work well for this.
- Ask your team for their input on the renovation schedule. They might have some great ideas for keeping things running smoothly.
- Let your customers know if there’s going to be any disruption, like a temporary closure or change in hours. And it’s a great idea to offer a discount or a special deal to keep them coming back.
Optimize Workflow During Renovations
Even though renovations can be a bit chaotic, keeping things efficient will save you from losing productivity – and money. Adjusting how you work during this time is key.
You want to:
- Shift tasks around depending on which areas are under construction. If the front office is out of commission, move those tasks to the back office or let employees work remotely.
- Temporarily scale back on non-essential activities. Maybe that means reducing your menu or shortening your hours until the dust settles.
- Use tech to keep things moving, like virtual meetings or online sales. That way, you can keep business flowing even if your space is limited.
Really, renovating your business doesn’t have to be a nightmare. By planning your renovations in phases, keeping everyone in the loop, and making smart adjustments to your workflow, chances are you can keep things running smoothly!
