FMJ.CO.UK ROUTES TO WORK FOCUS
NOVEMBER 2020 29
Taking an active route to work is a major
environmental plus. That should make it
something central to FM thinking as it helps
with placemaking and improving how we
view work. It’s positive for the environment:
easing congestion, improving air quality
(mitigating COVID-19) and good for physical
and mental wellbeing. But it is not for
everyone.
“Our main concern remains the congestion
charges in the heart of London. Our security
o icers, along with other key workers, are
having to travel to work in the city centre
via the Tube and other means of public
transport,” said Theo Nicolaou, Managing
Director, SmartSec Solutions. “At the height
of lockdown things were a bit di erent and
more manageable when traveling to work
because our security o icers were able to
park at their convenience. Now they fall into
the costly congestion charges which are
now active from 7am to 10pm
Monday to Sunday.”
No one we spoke to
confirmed rumours
that individual
operatives are
being o ered
vans or cars to
reach clients
due to concerns
about using
public transport.
But if that’s been
happening it is
understandable –
albeit not in keeping with
environmental goals.
“It might sound harsh given the
circumstances, but there are other
options. But it comes down to analysing
the distance, costs and e iciency. This is
a business argument. Time costs, health
costs, parking costs, purchase costs. Does
the investment add up? It almost certainly
doesn’t especially if the distance is an inner
urban area and less than five miles,” said
Megan Sharkey, urban studies research
scholar at Westminster University.
Steve Brewer, Workplace Designer and
Director of Burtt-Jones and Brewer agrees
and points to di erent options.
“There are many options for an ecofriendly
mode of transport to work. Electric
scooters are being trialled in the UK right
now and could radically change how we
move around. They fold up easily, so why
not ride one to the bus stop or station then
put it under your desk? Or, if you only have
one or two miles to go, why not scoot all the
way?”
Thinking di erently is the way to
beat many problems, from COVID-19 to
improving congestion, reducing carbon
emissions, and creating healthy lifestyles.
But it requires a change in mindset. It is so
easy to revert to
the motor car to
feel safe, despite
the arguments
against using it.
“People go
to where the
work is, so
why not put the
opportunities
to work closer to
where people are to
cut out the need to move
around,” argued Commentator
and Facilitator, Simon Heath. We need
more strategic thinking around FM and the
workplace. Why not use the vacant spaces
appearing on our high streets; continue
to make it easier to work from home. FMs
can help their own people to stay safe, but
should they be advising their clients about a
total rethink of how they use the workplace
to mitigate risks. It’s too easy for owners of
business and buildings to call for a return to
work and business as usual. There’s a chance
here for FMs apply their skills, knowledge
and influence to change the landscape of the
very nature of work itself.”
ON YOUR BIKE
So, what role is there for the humble
bicycle? Is it di erent enough? “Supporting
colleagues’ ability to cycle to work is
fundamental for sustainability and
Covid-safe travel. With more cycle lanes
being introduced as alternatives to public
transport and car-sharing, we believe more
companies should be actively promoting
this to their workforce. Not only does
it provide safe travel, but exercise also
supports mental and physical health. We
are also working with a number of clients
to provide more bike lockups and changing
rooms, with the right facilities in place it
With more cycle lanes being
introduced as alternatives to public
transport and car-sharing, we believe
more companies should be actively
promoting this to their workforce. Not
only does it provide safe travel, but
exercise also supports mental
and physical health.”