RECOVERY READINESS: THE SAFE SIX CHECKLIST
By: Cushman & Wakefield | Grant Street Associates
Over the next several weeks and months, as areas stabilize from the COVID-19 pandemic and stay-at home restrictions are lifted, organizations will begin to bring workers back into the physical workplace. The mix of returning employees will vary, and in some cases, a segment of the workforce may continue to work remotely. One thing is clear, however—the management of the process is without precedent.
Many of our clients have sought our guidance and expertise as they navigate this process. The migration from furloughed and WFH workforce back to places of business will look different for every organization. How can real estate owners most effectively prepare their assets for the return of building occupants? How can employers make sure they are prepared to receive their workforce—and make sure their employees are prepared? In this next phase of recovery, a handful of primary focus areas will be applicable to nearly every real estate owner and occupier across the globe. From big organizations to small ones, from those with one location to those with hundreds—each in their own way will be focused on the following Workplace Readiness Essentials:
1) Prepare the building: cleaning plans, pre-return inspections, HVAC & mechanical checks
2) Prepare the workforce: mitigating anxiety, policies for deciding who returns, employee communications
3) Control access: protocols for safety and health checks, building reception, shipping/receiving, elevators, visitor policies
4) Create a social distancing plan: decreasing density, schedule management, office traffic patterns
5) Reduce touch points and increase cleaning: touchless ingress/egress, food plan, cleaning common areas
6) Communicate for confidence: recognize the fear in returning, communicate transparency, listen/survey regularly
Most importantly – consistently reinforce hand washing, social distancing, and staying home when ill.
Three Final Things to Note
First, the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as the respective health organizations and government bodies within each country, are the primary sources for guidance on COVID-19 and other health-related issues.
Second, while the practices and recommendations in this guide at times reference office environments, they are largely applicable to other types of workforce environments and properties.
Finally, the intention of this resource is to establish the foundation of ideas and recommendations upon which we can build—in collaboration with clients and partners—an increasingly useful guide. We’re certain the coming weeks and months will teach us new things, and we look forward to sharing more ideas and updates to help you move forward through unfamiliar territory. In the meantime, we look forward to connecting with you to learn more about how we can help.
If you have additional questions about Recovery Readiness please contact us directly or visit our dedicated online resource found here.
Sam McGill, Senior Vice President, Cushman & Wakefield | Grant Street Associates