Post Pandemic and Office Space

The “new normal” is a phrase that is used to describe the world post-pandemic. Even though cliché, it rings true for many facility managers and business leaders. According to a recent survey, 75% of facility managers who responded said the impact of the pandemic on the professions is here to stay. Honeywell’s “Rethinking Building Post Covid-19” study reported that 75% of facility managers say the pandemic prompted them to rethink how their facilities should operate moving forward. Facility managers are making operational decisions on forms of social distancing, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols and a commitment to improving indoor air quality (IAQ). The pandemic has also drive facility managers and business leaders to prioritize IAQ and contactless access to buildings.

Effective Social Distancing Office Layouts

As employees return to the office, they’re discovering things aren’t quite as they remember. Social distancing measures have dramatically reshaped how we maneuver around our daily lives, and the places we work at are no exception, with one-way traffic flows, reduced capacity in elevators and facilities, staggered start times, and empty seats. The steps employers are taking to ensure that the office is a safe environment are not only helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19 but fear of those who may still feel some anxiety about returning to the office life.

Increased Cleaning and Disinfecting Protocols

The CDC has released guidance for cleaning and disinfecting public spaces, workplaces, businesses, schools and homes. For indoor areas, the CDC recommends normal, routine cleaning for areas that have been unoccupied within the last 7 days. How for indoor areas that have been occupied within the last 7 days, the CDC recommends that frequently touched surfaces and objects made of hard and non-porous materials be cleaned and disinfected more frequently. Frequently touched surfaces and objects made of soft and porous materials, such as carpet or other material in seating areas, should be thoroughly cleaned. If possible, the CDC recommends considering removing soft and porous materials in high-traffic areas. Surfaces and objects that are not frequently touched should be cleaned on a routine basis. If an increased cleaning and disinfecting protocol is hard for you to keep up, then you should consider hiring a facility services management company, such as System4. System4 is an industry leader in commercial cleaning and disinfecting services. In fact, System4 services hundreds of well-known brands across the United states for commercial cleaning and disinfecting. System4’s vast network of experienced, vetted service providers is well-prepared to service all business types.

Improving IAQ

The EPA estimates that 90% of our daily lives are spent inside which means the quality of air we breathe indoors matters. Returning to the workplace and operating in the new normal air quality and building health are a top concern. Considering the gravity of airborne transmission – air quality and environmental health have a huge impact on a company’s health, safety and success. A recent survey found that 66% of employees feel some level of worry about returning to work, specifically citing health and safety reasons. Regardless of the business, if it’s an indoor space, then IAQ matters. For building, offices and the like, the CDC recommends a layered approach. This means improved ventilation, filtration, and air quality measures in addition to continued physical distancing. Formal IAQ assessment from a respected service provider should be the first step in evaluating needed upgrades. The benefit of the IAQ assessment is to provide a specific breakdown of relevant facility air quality issues and knowledgeable HVAC recommendations and IAQ solutions. Plus, a formal evaluation gives employers the opportunity to provide employees with documentation that measures were taken to understand and better the workplace air quality.

In Conclusion

Facility managers are making operational decisions on forms of social distancing, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols and a commitment to improving indoor air quality (IAQ) that will positively impact the overall health and safety of employees and the buildings. However, some of the operational changes will require the help of professional service providers. Facility managers and business leaders need a facility management company that they can rely on and trust, such as System4. System4 Facility Services Management specializes in creating customized commercial cleaning and disinfecting solutions, repair and maintenance program for businesses of any size and type. System4 has 65+ locations across the United States and those locations are within 2 hours of 95% of the U.S. population. For additional information on customized commercial cleaning, disinfecting services or repair and maintenance programs, contact System4 today!