Services giant Mitie has published a comprehensive guide for facilities managers to help ensure businesses can reopen safely when the UK Government eases the lockdown restrictions.
The ‘Getting Britain Back to Business’ guide includes four-stages to prepare workplaces for a safe return. It covers every aspect of the building which needs to be reviewed to ensure the safe return of colleagues. This includes everything from cleaning, engineering, security, workplace design and front of house, through to waste and landscapes, as well as energy management and sustainability.
Getting Britain Back to Business has been created to help businesses of all types and sizes navigate the incredibly challenging task of preparing for the return to the office. While including specific recommendations, such as how to use route planning and employee zoning to prepare for social distancing, it can also be easily adapted to specific property portfolios, buildings or working environments.
To ensure a safe and efficient return to the workplace, the guide recommends businesses structure their planning around four key stages:
Stage one – 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.
Stage two – 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.
Stage three – 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.
Stage four – 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 granted a ‘Mitie COVID-19 Checklist Assured’ mark. The mark demonstrates to employees, customers and other stakeholders that the business has taken steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of anyone accessing its properties.
Simon Venn, Chief Government and Strategy Officer, Mitie, said: “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.”
The Getting Britain Back to Business guide can be read here.
