Though it’s difficult to ascertain the exact numbers of cases, hospitalization due to Covid are ticking up again, indicating another surge is either about to happen or is happening now. How should workplaces respond to another Covid surge?
Vaccine mandates and temperature checks in the lobby are largely a thing of the past, so what are some facility-related steps facility managers might be able to take to protect occupants and visitors to their buildings?
Facility managers should work with human resources to construct policies that balance worker comfort with worker safety. Nobody would be excited about reinstituting a mask mandate at the workplace, but if that is what’s needed to protect the safety of vulnerable workers who are required to come into the office, then so be it. At the very least, masks could again be strongly encouraged, but not mandated. Another possibility, though largely out of the purview of facility managers, is pausing a return-to-office policy temporarily.
Facility managers should also check their HVAC filters and air change rates. Are these up to snuff with CDC and ASHRAE recommendations? Recheck cleaning practices, as well, to ensure disinfecting is occurring properly. And encourage employees to disinfect their spaces, as well.
If facility managers need a review of best facility practices to mitigate Covid spread, check out this FN article: 6 Facility Strategies to Prevent Coronavirus Spread.
Greg Zimmerman is senior contributing editor for FacilitiesNet.com and Building Operating Management magazine.
