FOCUS RETURN TO WORK
ROUNDTABLE
A WELCOME RETURN
FMJ in conjunction with ZIP Water, the provider of
award-winning sustainable drinking water systems
brought together a panel of FMs to discuss the provisions
FMs are putting in place to make the return to work feel
both secure and welcoming
Surveys suggest that some workers
are nervous about leaving their
homes to return to the o ice. FMJ
and the experts from Zip Water held a
round table discussion with a group of
senior FMs under Chatham House rules,
to discuss how they intend to strike a
balance between social distancing and
infection control while also providing a
sustainable environment that supports
wellbeing and engages occupants.
Furnishing the workplace for
reoccupation will probably require some
major di„ erences from the pre-pandemic
environment. For instance, the wider layout
of o„ ice desking as well as ensuring social
distancing in areas of higher footfall such as
break out areas and catering will need to be
addressed.
How can FMs balance making o„ ices
safe for occupation with the creation of a
welcoming environment?
40 MAY 2021
Because it’s a natural thing for people
to congregate together, despite social
distancing rules, a big challenge for FMs
is avoiding being, “either the police or
a parent”, commented a panellist. This
shows the importance of carrying out
risk assessments, being firm about the
guidelines and clear on the processes that
work for your individual environment. FMs
also counselled not being “pushed into a
position you don’t feel comfortable about
from leadership”.
It was also pointed out that: “We’re
changing the way people work forever and
we need to take sta„ on that journey with
us, whether that is a video tour of what to
expect when they come in or an induction
half day for people to try the space before
they come back.”
One FM is working to pre-empt any
concerns with a redesign of reception
areas, including the use of S shaped chairs,
THE PANEL
Moderated by FMJ Editor, Sara Bean
Dan Johnson, National HydroCare Manager - Zip
Water
Jason Lee, National Sales Manager - Zip Water
Eniitan Page, Head of Real Estate and Workplace,
Brooks Macdonald
Jo Newman, Senior FM Munich RE
Chris Broham, Head of Facilities, RJ O’Brien
Simon Booth, Head of Facilities, Kingston Smith
LLP
Tolga Salih, Property Facilities Manager, City of
London Corporation
Tim Rose, Global Facilities Director, Elekta
Janet Lemon-Merrall, Facilities Manager,
Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority
Natalie Allerton, Head of Facilities, Jagex