Essential services are needed now more than ever. The importance of keeping those working in essential services such as health, defence, safety, accommodation and food retail safe is a top priority to keep resources available to the public. These services hail from residential and commercial facilities, which both require building management to run smoothly.
For the residential industry, amongst providing various services, a facility manager must now be available to support those in isolation and have a contingency plan in place to prepare for potential outbreaks. It has been recognised by many residential spaces that facility management will need to be improved in order to sustain safe, productive environments for staff and residents. Security is now required in some spaces, as is delivery of necessary items for those who are unable to leave their homes. This comes with its challenges, with increased cleaning and sanitising required in addition to social distancing measures between staff and residents enforced. For facility managers who have not integrated technology with their process, keeping track of meeting intense guidelines could make management more difficult. Some of these services, such as no contact home delivery, improved security and technology based communication will likely continue following restrictions.
For those in the commercial sector of essential services, facility management provides a needed safety net for day to day processes. Many will need to continue to provide a service, regardless of how intense the pandemic may hit, there are some resources that just cannot be shut down. For facility managers of these essential providers, creating a safe environment for personnel and customers is now at the forefront of everything they do. Changes in safety measures such as spit guards, appropriate spacing between people and compulsory mask wearing are critical in spaces that have a high risk of contamination. Additionally, the use of technology to communicate with customers and staff is now leveraged at a higher rate than ever before.
For facility managers of both residential and commercial spaces, we have seen a spike in the use of technology, as in other industries, to help with social distancing between staff. The improvement in efficiency that this brings can continue following COVID-19 restrictions is massive. The industry has been forced to quickly adapt, with positive implications drawing from the changes implemented. People management is simpler with technology, as is building a relationship with customers and residents.
For facilities of essential services, it is important to continue driving top quality safety measures to ensure these resources are available. As we shift back to normal life, these changes should not be forgotten, but rather the improvements in efficiency some may bring should create a shift in the industry for the better. For more information on facility management technology, visit mybos.com
