How to Implement Post-Pandemic Hygiene Protocols in Commercial Real Estate?

As we continue to navigate the uncharted waters of the post-Covid world, commercial real estate owners, managers, and tenants are grappling with the challenge of ensuring health and safety in their properties. After all, the workplace is not just a place to work – it is also a space where employees spend a significant part of their day, and it is crucial to ensure a safe and clean environment for them. This article provides practical recommendations on implementing post-pandemic hygiene protocols in commercial real estate.

Reinforcing Cleaning and Disinfection Procedures

In the wake of the pandemic, the need for comprehensive cleaning and disinfection procedures in commercial buildings cannot be overstated. It is not just about maintaining the appearance and durability of the building; it is about protecting the health of the people who use the building daily.

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Firstly, commercial real estate owners and managers should establish a regular cleaning schedule. High-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, elevator buttons, and handrails should be cleaned and disinfected multiple times a day. The frequency may vary depending on the size of the building and the number of people using it, but it should ideally be done at least once every few hours during office hours.

Secondly, use EPA-approved disinfectants suitable for killing the coronavirus. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the contact time – that is, the amount of time the disinfectant should remain on a surface to be effective.

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Moreover, consider hiring professional cleaning services with expertise in commercial buildings. While it may seem like an additional expense, it will ensure the quality of the cleaning and disinfection process, which is crucial in a post-pandemic world.

Enhancing Indoor Air Quality

The quality of indoor air plays a significant role in the health and wellbeing of building occupants. Poor air quality can facilitate the spread of diseases, including respiratory infections like Covid-19.

One way to enhance indoor air quality in commercial buildings is by increasing ventilation. Opening windows and doors, when possible, can promote air circulation. However, in many commercial buildings, this is not feasible due to design and security restrictions. In such cases, you can use mechanical ventilation systems that bring in fresh air from outside.

Air purifiers with HEPA filters can also be beneficial in reducing airborne particles. Additionally, consider upgrading your HVAC system to include filters with a higher MERV rating to capture smaller particles.

Finally, regular maintenance of HVAC systems is crucial. Dust and mold buildup can hinder the system’s efficiency and negatively impact air quality.

Implementing Social Distancing Measures

Even as we continue to adapt to the ‘new normal’, social distancing remains a crucial strategy in mitigating the spread of Covid-19. For commercial real estate, this means rethinking and reconfiguring workplace spaces.

Desks and workstations should be arranged at least six feet apart, in accordance with CDC guidelines. If physical distancing is not possible, install transparent shields or partitions between desks.

Furthermore, consider implementing staggered work schedules to reduce the number of employees in the office at one time. This will help in maintaining social distancing without significantly disrupting work.

Promoting Personal Hygiene Practices

While cleaning and disinfecting the building and enhancing ventilation are critical, personal hygiene practices of employees and visitors are equally important in preventing the spread of the virus.

Promote regular hand hygiene by providing hand sanitizers at multiple locations throughout the building, especially near high-touch areas like entrances, elevators, and common areas.

Additionally, encourage employees to wear masks, especially in common areas and when social distancing is not possible. This could be done through reminders, signage, and even providing masks at the entrance.

Regular communication with employees about hygiene practices is also essential. Use emails, posters, and meetings to remind employees about the importance of hand hygiene, wearing masks, and staying home when feeling unwell.

Preparing for Future Health Emergencies

The Covid-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of being prepared for health emergencies. Commercial real estate owners and managers should establish a robust plan for future potential health crises. This includes having a contingency plan for cleaning and disinfecting, communicating with tenants, and adjusting operations as needed.

Remember, the goal is not just to react to a crisis, but to be well-prepared to handle it effectively. This requires regular review and updating of the plan to ensure it aligns with the latest public health guidelines and best practices.

As we navigate the post-pandemic world, the health and safety of building occupants should be the top priority. Implementing robust hygiene protocols is not just about compliance; it is about providing a safe and healthy environment for the people who use your building.

Adapting Office Spaces for Remote Work and Health Safety

The Covid pandemic has shifted the way we work, with remote work becoming a common practice. This altered landscape provides an opportunity for commercial real estate managers and owners to redesign office spaces in a way that supports both on-site and remote workers post-pandemic.

The design of office spaces should emphasize flexibility and provide a mix of individual workspaces and common areas that encourage collaboration while adhering to social distancing guidelines. For instance, the space can be divided into cubicles for those who need quiet, isolated areas to focus and larger meeting rooms for team discussions.

Investing in technology is also crucial in creating a seamless experience for remote workers. Make Wi-Fi accessible throughout the building, provide necessary hardware like desktops or laptops, and incorporate video conferencing facilities in meeting rooms.

Moreover, consider creating dedicated spaces for employees to engage in wellness activities during breaks. This could include a well-equipped gym, a meditation room, or even an outdoor space for walking or jogging. Promoting health and wellness in the workplace is a fundamental step in creating a safe and productive environment in the long term.

Lastly, make hand washing stations available and easy to find, encouraging employees to frequently clean their hands and help to further reduce the spread of viruses.

Building a Post-Pandemic Commercial Real Estate Strategy

Moving forward, it is essential for commercial real estate managers and owners to adopt a proactive approach to health safety. The post-Covid world demands a strategic shift that places an increased emphasis on the wellbeing of building occupants.

Implementing best practices in cleaning and disinfecting, improving indoor air quality, and promoting personal hygiene practices should be seen as long-term investments rather than short-term expenses. They not only contribute to health safety but also have the potential to enhance productivity and morale among employees.

Employing these measures is a testament to the responsibility of owners and managers towards the occupants of their buildings. Encouraging a culture of health safety will help strengthen the trust and loyalty of tenants, potentially leading to longer lease agreements and improved profitability.

Moreover, the Covid pandemic has accelerated the trend of remote work. Adapting office spaces to this new reality will be crucial in staying competitive in the real estate market. Offering a mix of private and collaborative spaces, along with wellness amenities, could attract companies seeking to provide their employees with a flexible and health-conscious workplace.

Finally, being prepared for future health emergencies is a must. This involves creating robust contingency plans and staying updated on the latest public health guidelines.

Adapting to the post-pandemic world is a complex process full of challenges and opportunities. However, by prioritizing health safety and adapting to new ways of working, commercial real estate can emerge stronger and more resilient.

Conclusion

The Covid pandemic has forever changed the landscape of commercial real estate. As we navigate this new reality, the focus must shift from simply providing office space to creating environments that promote health, safety, flexibility, and productivity.

Enhancing cleaning and disinfection procedures, improving air quality, encouraging personal hygiene practices, adapting to remote work, and preparing for future health emergencies are key strategies that can help achieve this.

While the road to recovery may be challenging, it also presents unique opportunities for innovation and growth. By embracing these changes and implementing robust health protocols, commercial real estate can play a crucial role in shaping a healthier, safer post-pandemic world.

Remember, a healthy building is not just beneficial for its occupants, but also for the long-term success of your real estate enterprise. Make those changes today, and contribute to the well-being of everyone who uses your building!