A lot of our clients are beginning to reach out to ask for guidance and recommended strategies on how to return their employees to a healthy and safe work environment. I wanted to share the following recommendations and strategies that I have gathered from colleagues in real estate, workplace, and law over the couple of weeks to assist you in navigating the path back.
The health and safety of building occupants is a shared responsibility between tenants and landlords. Opening transparent lines of communication early with owners and property managers is a critical first step in making the return.
Companies inline link bold italic and business owners should make certain to: (i) adhere to WHO/governmental/healthcare regulations and recommendations, and (ii) to consult with HR, IT, Real Estate, Legal and other experts when planning and implementing their return.
Communicate with the Building Owners and Property Management Prior to Returning Employees to the Office
- Confirm Landlord is professionally cleaning and disinfecting the building and the common areas of the building (lobbies, elevators, restrooms, garages, gyms, showers, locker rooms, decks, etc) in accordance with WHO, healthcare and governmental agencies having jurisdiction on guidelines and recommendations for how to prepare the building.
- Confirm that the Landlord is flushing the building with fresh air for minimum of 24 hours to 72 hours before allowing tenants to return to work.
- Clean mechanical systems and replace filters in accordance with local regulations and guidelines. Cushman & Wakefield suggests the highest efficiency rated filter recommended/allowed by the manufacturer (MERV rating).
- The Association of Legal Administrators has recommended increasing ventilation and humidity (adjust to 40%-60%).
- Confirm responsibilities for cleaning and maintaining sanitization of common area lobbies, restrooms, hand free soap dispensers, hand washing stations, elevators, escalators, etc.).
- Guidelines for use of common area decks, gyms, showers and locker rooms, etc.
- Increased security screening protocols for granting (Tenant and Visitors) access to the building.
- Any modifications to janitorial schedule and responsibilities.
- Landlord to confirm that all inspections and repairs have been made.
- Review the lease to understand landlord and tenant roles and responsibilities for operating and maintaining a clean, sanitary, and healthy building.
H5 Communicate with the Building Owners and Property Management Prior to Returning Employees to the Office
Companies and business owners should make certain to: (i) adhere to WHO/governmental/healthcare regulations and recommendations, and (ii) to consult with HR, IT, Real Estate, Legal and other experts when planning and implementing their return.
H6 Communicate with the Building Owners and Property Management Prior to Returning Employees to the Office
Companies and business owners should make certain to: (i) adhere to WHO/governmental/healthcare regulations and recommendations, and (ii) to consult with HR, IT, Real Estate, Legal and other experts when planning and implementing their return.