06.05.2020, 08:48
Helping British Businesses Back to Work
A comprehensive new guide for facilities managers from Mitie details practical measures businesses can implement to ensure a safe and seamless return to workplaces.
As the UK government makes plans to loosen current lockdown restrictions, many businesses are unsure of what they need to do to ensure their workplaces reopen safely.
Getting Britain Back to Business addresses the most commonly concerns by proposing the adoption of a four-stages process to prepare for a safe return to the workplace, and also provides a detailed checklist.
The guide has been written as a single source of information covering every aspect of building operations, and addresses cleaning, engineering, security, workplace design, front of house, waste and landscapes, energy management, and sustainability.
It also including specific recommendations on route planning and employee zoning to prepare for social distancing, and can easily be adapted to specific property portfolios, buildings or working environments.
The four key stages discussed in relation to the preparation of workplaces, post lockdown, are:
Facilities and portfolio evaluation: With many workspaces currently closed or at minimal occupancy, now is the time to take a step back and review what building space the business actually needs. There may be an opportunity to reduce office footprint where there is no longer a requirement for it or alter the workplace design so it works more efficiently for employees;
Recommissioning the work environment: As buildings and workplaces reopen, it’s important that they’re safe and fully operational for colleagues and customers. As well as ensuring that the building is sanitised and allows social distancing, it’s crucial that employees understand the actions the business is taking through comprehensive employee communications;
Adjusting to the ‘new normal’: The workplace will undoubtedly be transformed due to COVID-19, but embracing that change will offer opportunities for improvement. This could include leveraging technology more widely to reduce costs and enable social distancing or the introduction of new workplace practices and policies; and
Future-proofing: Looking further ahead, one likelihood for business is further uncertainty, and so it’s important to plan for more unexpected disruptions. Reviewing and improving current processes – such as resource contingency planning or installation of remote monitoring systems – will ensure that businesses can navigate future challenges.
Businesses that work with Mitie to put these measures in place and ensure their workplaces are safe for employees to return will be issued with a ‘Mitie COVID-19 Checklist Assured’ mark in recognition of their commitment to safeguard the safety and wellbeing of employees, customers, building users and stakeholders.
Simon Venn, Chief Government and Strategy Officer at Mitie, says:
“As businesses prepare for the return to their workspaces, knowing where to start and ensuring that everything has been covered can be a daunting prospect. As experts in managing all types of commercial buildings safely and efficiently – from offices and manufacturing sites to retail stores and historic buildings – we’re proud to share our experience to help get Britain back to business as quickly and safely as possible.”
Download Getting Britain Back to Business HERE.
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