In short
How can you refurbish offices without stopping business?
By phasing the works: the site is divided into successive zones, with buffer zones and, where needed, swing space. Each phase states who moves where and when, what remains accessible (toilets, emergency exits, critical rooms, reception) and when noisy works take place. These constraints are written into the tender, because they have a cost.
- The extra cost of working in occupied premises (phases, off-hours work, protection) is compared with the cost of a full temporary move.
- From 50 employees, a project that significantly changes working conditions requires consulting the works council (Labour Code, art. L2312-8).
- Teams need to know in advance what changes for them each week.
Phasing: dividing up the floor and the time
We divide the site into successive works zones, with buffer zones and, if necessary, temporary fallback premises (“swing space”). Each phase specifies who moves where, when, with what IT equipment, and what remains accessible: toilets, emergency exits, critical rooms, reception.
Noise, dust, safety
Noisy works are scheduled outside working hours or in time slots announced in advance. Works zones are physically separated, and walkways and emergency exits are kept open. The contractors' schedule incorporates these constraints from the tender stage: they come at a price.
Informing teams, consulting the works council
In companies with at least 50 employees, a project that significantly alters working conditions requires the works council (CSE) to be consulted (French Labour Code, art. L2312-8). Beyond the legal obligation, teams need to know in advance what changes for them each week. Change management.
Frequently asked questions
Do works in occupied premises cost more?
Often, yes: multiple phases, works outside normal hours, protection, internal moves. The extra cost is estimated from the contractor tender stage and compared with the cost of a full temporary relocation.