IT services company Avaya has relocated more than 600 employees from eight
different offices to its new headquarters in Guildford with the loss of only
four staff.
HR played a central role in a project team the company set up to manage the
move, which was completed in just eight months. It was able to ensure the
relocation went smoothly and that staff were kept informed about the project.
The company decided to relocate to save costs because staff were based in
five different offices across the South East. It also wanted to unify its work
culture.
HR director Fiona James said improving employee-development opportunities
and making managers responsible for staff attrition helped reduce staff
turnover prior to the move. It had been slashed from 26 to 8 per cent over the
past 18 months.
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Communicating with staff and asking for feedback was key to retention during
the relocation, James said. Consultation forums were held and a questionnaire
was put on the intranet asking what facilities employees wanted.
Avaya also employed a relocation services company to help staff move home
and find new schools for their children.
