Getting a move on.

The New York City-based Corporate Relocation Institute has reported that over two-thirds of those executives responsible for arranging their company's relocation are fired or demoted, and many take sick leave for stress-related ailments. Incredible. How could such a predicament befall a straightforward

managerial exercise that is presumably aided by timely employee input and full boardroom support? Well, as often happens, reality brings that which is otherwise obscure into focus; Stamats Communications, Inc. - BUILDINGS' publisher and parent company - recently reconfigured operations within its corporate headquarters building, and the experience was a personal revelation.

The wisdom of this exercise was never disputed. The company scrupulously assessed its space needs and determined the shifting of more than 40 office personnel would better consolidate each of its operating divisions. Accordingly, new office assignments were coordinated and finalized by each division head, and administration produced a floor plan and moving schedule with the qualification that office furnishings - specifically desks and storage - would remain in original offices to simplify the process. Collateral company decisions required that additional spaces be created, so actual construction of walls and installation of new wiring, lighting, etc., simultaneously ensued with the relocation effort.

It was, to be sure, a conceptually sound undertaking. Accomplishing the actual relocation, however, required the coordinated efforts of those 40-plus employees. Everyone's aim-creating his or her own space - was, unfortunately, often antagonistic to overall efficiency. Conflicting concerns of other employees, exacerbated by publishing deadlines and holiday plans (moves were scheduled from December 19 through December 28), took a physical and emotional toll. I responded by removing myself completely from the scene for as long as possible; others vented their frustrations on the feisty redheaded office employee who was given the unenviable task of trying to balance employee wants with company-approved standards and methods.

Two months later, the positive benefits of the move are clearly evident. The relocation's main purpose - to consolidate each division has truly resulted in a more productive environment for the company. At BUILDINGS, for example, all elements of the home office are working not only literally hand-in-hand, but figuratively shoulder-to-shoulder as well.

The "official" relocation was completed December 28, but at press time the "unofficial" one continues: Computer modems are still unconnected, the phone system is fickle at best, and I can yet but dream of recreating a trackable filing system.

No one could possibly question the validity of the decision to reconfigure the company's office spaces. What is at issue, though, concerns what could have been accomplished - and avoided - had a true facilities professional been involved.