Getting Back to Work: Preparing Your Workplace for Re-Entry After COVID-19

As Wisconsin businesses prepare for a return to the workplace, Compass Properties Vice President Todd Greenwald provides an update on how the company’s plans to help tenants get back to work safely and adapt to the evolving regulatory requirements.

Question:  What are the key considerations for re-opening your office buildings?

Todd:   It’s critically important that we and our tenants implement controls to minimize exposure risks and mitigate potential liability risks.  We will follow CDC and WEDC guidelines to maintain social distancing, hygiene and other day-to-day operations.  We advise tenants to have established procedures in place for prompt ID and isolation of employees suspected of having COVID-19, including contacting us as soon as possible if there is a confirmed case. We are modifying our management and operations to enhance cleaning and operations of all properties.

Question:   What areas of a building will be most challenged by social distancing?

Todd:   Elevators, stairwells, reception areas, break rooms and other building common areas will likely present the biggest challenge for social distancing. I believe we’ll all experience times at the elevator where we say, “I’ll wait for the next one.”  There are steps to address these challenging areas that includes both 6-foot separation of individuals and physical barriers as well.  Physical barriers may be placed in areas such as doorways and cubicle walls.  In reception and other common areas, the number of seats available can be limited and organized so there is at least 6 feet between seats.  Breakrooms, lunchrooms and other common areas should be carefully managed to reduce communal use. There is a possibility that conference rooms, fitness rooms and other large shared spaces will remain closed for 30 days after buildings reopen.

Question:   What are some of the steps you are taking to get buildings ready to reopen?

Todd:  All our buildings have undergone extensive deep cleaning and disinfection.  We have developed a detailed plan that includes increased frequency of cleaning in high-density and high touch areas which we have been doing throughout the Safer At Home order.  We have specific deep cleaning and disinfection plans in place if a building employee or tenant test positive for COVID-19.  Prior to building re-entry, we will implement HVAC maintenance with filter changes and increased infusion of outside air for re-entry where appropriate.  We have recently completed significant maintenance and flushing of water systems, including faucets, toilets, hot water heaters, ice machines, and filtration systems. We are currently focusing on reducing the touch points in high use common areas. This may include installation of hands-free faucets, foot operated door pulls, leaving stairwell doors open where allowed and other small ways to implement a touch free experience in our properties. Additional signage is being produced to remind everyone about social distancing and other ways to stay healthy.

 How will you share info with tenants and their employees with regards to COVID-19 guidelines?

Todd:  We plan to have social distancing rules and hygiene tips posted in common areas.  Employers should plan to share information like this with team members  electronically and/or by hardcopy at workstations. Employers may consider video or other training for returning employees to explain new workplace rules. We ask that all tenants provide us with their re-entry plan so we can assist where possible. Our team members will be wearing PPE including face masks and gloves. Additionally, our team members will be recording their temperature daily prior to starting any work duties. We will require the same from the contractors and vendors that perform work inside our properties.

How do you believe office space and future space planning will be impacted?

Todd:  All indications are that COVID-19 will remake the work environment to give employers and employees a greater variety of work areas. For years, the trend has been open office plans with a decreasing amount of privacy allotted to each employee.  Now, it looks as if social distancing will be part of the new norm moving forward, and that means more private spaces or personal offices for individuals, and more distance between desks. Open office space interaction is going to change dramatically.  I think you will see more physical barriers in the workplace, as well as greater spacing and fewer seating options in communal areas like breakrooms and lunch areas. There will be a need to support team members who work from home. Collaboration space is going to be a hot topic for the near future, designed to meet the need for flexibility and compliance with social distancing standards.