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Workplace Glossary

What is Move Management?

Move management is the process of planning, coordinating, and executing employees and team relocations across an office or portfolio. Its purpose is to make sure physical moves happen efficiently, with the right systems, spaces, and stakeholders aligned.

Definition

In workplace operations, move management is the discipline responsible for coordinating relocations within a building or across a portfolio. It brings together workplace operations, facilities, IT, HR, and communications so moves happen in a controlled and trackable way.

The Core Process
Most move management workflows include a few core stages:
Stage What Happens Who Owns It
1. Assessment
Analyze utilization data, headcount projections, and lease timelines
Real estate + finance
2. Planning
Design target configurations, assign neighborhoods, schedule move waves
Workplace ops + department leads
3. Communication
Notify affected employees with visual floor maps, timelines, and booking instructions
Internal comms + managers
4. Coordination
Trigger IT provisioning, badge access, furniture logistics, signage in parallel
IT + facilities + security
5. Execution
Physical moves, employee check-in, real-time issue resolution
Workplace ops + logistics
6. Validation
Confirm occupancy, update floor plans and stack plans, collect employee feedback
Workplace ops + HR

Why Move Management Matters

A move is more than changing someone’s desk. It affects access, equipment, booking settings, floor plans, and workplace data. When moves are handled well, the transition feels seamless. When they are not, delays, confusion, and inaccurate workplace records can follow.

Move Management in Hybrid Workplaces 

In hybrid workplaces, move management is more complex because seating is often shared and attendance varies by day. A successful move depends not only on physical relocation, but also on making sure access, booking settings, and team neighborhoods all work together.

Questions People Ask About MAC
Q: What is move management in facility management?
A: Move management is the structured process of planning and carrying out employee or team relocations while coordinating the systems and stakeholders involved.
Q: How long should a workplace move take?
A: The timeline depends on the scale and complexity of the move. Individual moves may be completed relatively quickly, while larger team relocations usually require more planning and coordination.
Q: What is the most overlooked step in move management?
A: Post-move validation is often overlooked. Once a move is complete, floor plans, booking systems, and workplace records need to be updated so future decisions are based on accurate information.