Safe Becomes the “New Normal” In Office Space

As employees gradually return to the work place, the overriding concern shared by employers and employees alike is safety.  Companies are configuring spaces that incorporate social distancing and sanitation into the design, while implementing measures such as temperature screening, indoor air quality upgrades and hand sanitizer dispensers in high traffic areas. Many businesses are preparing both for the way things are now and for how they may look in the future, as business leaders wonder if the pendulum will swing all the way back to working in-office every day.

Creating a safer work environment starts with indoor air quality and lowering the concentrations of indoor air pollutants, contaminants and viruses that may be in the air.  A recent npr.org article pointed out that “one of the simplest ways to prevent the indoor spread of any contagious respiratory virus is to increase the volume of outside air that comes into our buildings.”  The article goes on to say, “the simple act of cracking a window can meaningfully dilute the concentration of infectious particles in the air.”

“We’re collaborating with tenants to modify their work areas to keep their employees safe and comply with COVID best practices,” said Tod Greenwald, Compass Properties Vice President. “We’ve taken additional measures to ensure high indoor air quality in our buildings, which is critical to reducing COVID 19 exposure. That includes comprehensive HVAC preventative maintenance, upgraded air filters, and increased outside air intake to dilute the potency of indoor germs.”

Greenwald said that all the buildings managed by Compass Properties have undergone extensive deep cleaning and disinfection, with new procedures in place that increase frequency of cleaning in high-density and high touch areas. The company installed a thermal temperature scanner at its Esser Place property and is doing a trial run to see if the system can be adapted for other properties under management.   “We certainly are not in a position to make it mandatory for everyone entering the building but we’re using it for our staff and contractors,” Greenwald said.  “Tenants, their employees and their guests will be able to use it as well.”

Health experts acknowledge the importance of physical distancing and good hygiene habits amidst the pandemic, but also remind us that the simple practice of handwashing with soap and clean water is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs and viruses.  Compass Properties has installed additional hand sanitizer dispensers in high traffic areas to encourage more frequent use, as well as hands-free faucets and other measures in rest rooms to reduce touchpoints.

New safety precautions for the workplace must account for third-party service providers, especially if employees of those entities interact with tenants, customers and building visitors.   For example, Compass Properties requires all contractors and vendors to take a temperature check, wear approved face covering,  thoroughly wash their hands before entering any building space, adhere to recommended social distancing and thoroughly disinfect all “touch points” they use while completing their contracted work.

“Both in the short and long term, it’s crucial for employers to clearly demonstrate in words and actions they are absolutely committed to a safe and healthy workplace,” Greenwald said.  “Research confirms most employees do want to return to the office, but they want assurances that their employers put their health and safety at the forefront.”