Returning to work is important, but even more crucial is an effective, long-term plan
Understandably, many companies, schools and organizations are laser focused on getting back to normal but there’s going to be a “new normal.” As people begin to occupy shared spaces again, of course it’s important to make sure those areas are ready, including implementation of protocols that will emphasize health and safety. Are you prepared for the new normal? Without a solid plan in place that anticipates needs for facilities management, you will be forced to take a reactive approach—trying to solve problems and put out fires as they happen, while other issues are fueled by a lack of a cohesive strategy.
That’s why it’s vital to think beyond Day 30 or Day 60, but even further ahead to Day 180. What protocols will you have in place six months after you re-open? Answering that question now can help ensure you actually get to that milestone.
Looking Ahead
Obviously, with a pandemic like the coronavirus, there is still much uncertainty, especially about potential future waves that could send us all back home again. But that should enhance your momentum and focus, not cause you to take a “one day at a time” approach. The more stability you can put into place now, the better prepared you’ll be if you do have to pivot and change your operations.
The goal with a 180-day plan is not to eliminate risk completely—an impossible task—but rather, to mitigate the risk of infection while offering assurance to everyone who is in your facilities. That peace of mind is essential to getting operations running again.
To meet that need, UG2 has developed a 180-day operational roadmap that includes four main pillars of recommendations:
- Operational Changes: As cleaning protocols ramp up, there needs to be a multi-phase plan that reviews building occupancy specifications, repurposes staff, identifies areas that need to remain closed to building tenants, anticipates ramp-up levels of occupancy, and evaluates cost management.
- Communication Strategies: When it comes to health and safety, communication is key, and those who use a building should have a wealth of information when it comes to strategies like desk sanitization, social distancing, fitness center usage, cleaning protocols, breakroom usage, security desk processes, conference room use, and more. These are important to put in place immediately, and to augment with longer-term efforts like ongoing training and program enhancements.
- Technology Enhancements: Every facility will have distinctive needs when it comes to implementing technology, and it’s helpful to look ahead at what may be required months down the line. For example, it may be helpful to install more automatic cleaning and disinfection products before a workforce returns, and later augment that with enhanced scrubber options.
- Contract Structures: With changes in operations, increased scope in terms of cleaning and disinfection, and new requirements for managing a facility, contracts need to be reviewed and likely amended to accommodate these shifts. Defining staff hours and basing that on occupancy should be clearly articulated. Contractual requirements that were sufficient just a few months ago may fall short now as you’re redefining what you need to move forward.
As you plan the months ahead, consider implementing UG2 ReNew, a program that helps you navigate, adapt to, and thrive in the “new normal”, with elevated services that provide exceptionally pristine and healthy environments.