FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
FM PROVIDER’S VIEW
DANIEL DICKSON
CEO UK & IRELAND, ATALIAN SERVEST
Business flexibility and agility have been vital during 2020. From responding to government announcements or client requests with just a few hours’ notice we’ve had to be ready. Ready to communicate to our own teams, ready to respond to our clients and ready with expert guidance and service, even in the eye of the storm.
As a global business we have been in a very fortunate position to be able to learn from our counterparts, especially in Asia and Europe, who experienced the onset of the pandemic a little before the UK. On almost a daily basis I’ve spoken to our global teams to share best practice and ideas. We’ve all learnt from each other and helped each other through. At a time where we’ve been so physically distant, we’ve come closer together. Bonds have been strengthened and collaboration has been better than ever. This is something that will only improve as we move forwards into new territory.
In March, we launched a new division, Atalian Servest Hygiene, at the speed of light. It just shows what’s possible with the right internal structure and industry partnerships. This new division offers fogging, disinfecting services and fever screening and did so from the first few weeks of lockdown. We were the first to market among FM companies with new fever screening technology and this is testament to our solid business partnerships.
We have invested a lot in cloud infrastructure over the years so the transition to working from home in the blink of an eye was a simple one with no disruption to business activity or client service. Technology is a key pillar of our business strategy and the pandemic has confirmed this will continue with force.
I am so proud of our entire workforce that has enabled us to take on the challenge of this global pandemic together. Our frontline workers are the real bones of our business and without them and their dedication we couldn’t have tackled the pandemic in quite the same way. We will continue to invest in our people and our culture to build the best future for our workforce and business. Our ONE innovation challenge, designed to uncover hidden talent and encourage entrepreneurial spirit, is just one example of our commitment to collaboration and championing unity and progression.
As much as 2020 has certainly presented challenges it has also been a positive period of transformation in so many ways. The profile of the FM sector has been raised significantly due to COVID-19 and it speaks volumes that many of our frontline workers have key workers status. People now finally recognise the value FM brings. It’s a shame it has taken a global pandemic for this to be realised but I think this marks the end of critical services being over-looked. I look forward to building on this in 2021 and beyond.
FLEXSPACE OPERATOR’S VIEW
JULIAN COOPER
MANAGING DIRECTOR AT CLARENDON
As with any other workplace, flexible space operators have carried out extensive risk assessments and implemented new procedures to ensure spaces are clean and hygienic. However, the flexspace sector is unique in that by its very nature it is a workspace that has many comings and goings from employees of different companies.
We work with professional cleaning partners to ensure that spaces are cleaned to the highest standard. They operate throughout the day which has a dual purpose – spaces receive frequent cleaning, and tenants see that cleaning teams are highly active.
Signage deployed around buildings reminds occupants to keep a two metres distance when possible and to follow one-way systems. Though most people are familiar with these processes, this is a case where there is no such thing as over-communicating. If an occupant does not feel completely safe in a space, they simply will not enter it.
Our website has a dedicated COVID page that includes our statement on how we are ensuring our buildings are safe, our risk assessment procedures and a link to the Government website on working safely during the pandemic. Linking back to sites of authority like the Government or NHS adds another layer of assurance to occupants that we are adhering to the rules.
Finally, we actively talk to and share information with our occupants. Whether this is in-person, by email or on social media, we give regular updates and are always available to answer questions.
It’s shaping up to be a busy time for the flexspace sector in the year ahead. With many businesses looking to diversify their portfolios and add flex to traditional space, we are expecting to see strong demand. Operators will need to maintain extremely hygienic spaces to attract and retain tenants.
Technology will play a big part in this. We have already started virtual tours which allow prospective tenants to walk through our spaces from the comfort of their desks.
Tech will also help minimise human contact with surfaces in the workplace. Key fobs to unlock doors, automatic doors and lights that switch on by sensor are all great options. We’ll also see app use increase for things like booking meeting rooms.
This will allow flexspace operators to provide safe workplaces without compromising on any of the benefits that tenants use the space for – a stimulating, collaborative space with all the necessary amenities.
