The Benefits of Facilities Management in a Post-Covid World

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way we do many things in our day to day lives. However, it also became an opportunity for many industries to contribute to mitigating the outbreak – particularly facilities management. In a post-covid world, there is increased awareness surrounding several areas such as cleanliness, maintenance management and ventilation. And facilities management services address these areas, ensuring businesses remain functioning, hygienic and safe. Therefore, it’s smart for organisations to utilise such services, as the industry’s offerings bring about numerous benefits for all stakeholders involved. In a post-pandemic climate, the sector is integral when it comes to operations running smoothly within organisations.

In this article, we will discuss the benefits of facilities management in a post-covid world, how we should continue these practices and why.

1. Space Availability Management

Remote working has revolutionised the UK labour market. And with 2000 businesses in the UK wanting to continue give employees work flexibility (CIPD survey) – organisations will require less facility space for staff. Therefore, not only can businesses save space but also save money, as they may be able to rent smaller workspace as well as save on overheads. However, this means that space availability will need to be managed through schedules. Software such as CAFM (Computer Aided Facilities Management) or IWMS (Integrated Workplace Management System) can help coordinate this.

2. Rapid Problem Solving

Many would describe the Covid-19 outbreak as unexpected. Therefore, in a post-covid world, businesses must be prepared for the unknown. If an unexpected issue transpires in the workplace, for example roof leaks or electrical faults, facilities management programmes like a reactive maintenance one, ensures problems are resolved quickly and efficiently. Using an expert team like MSL means we can allocate the suitable tradesmen in a timely manner, rather than your staff having to waste time making calls to find someone to fix the issue. This means employees can concentrate on specialist tasks instead. Utilising such services shows customers/clients, that your organisation’s fault resolution process is reliable, and that your business can continue to operate seamlessly regardless of potential issues arising.

3. Increased Focus on Health and Hygiene

In a post-covid world, though we have access to vaccinations and booster jabs to mitigate the risk of catching the virus – the risk of transmission is still there. Therefore, cleaning will remain to be critically important even in post-pandemic circumstances. As there is an increased focus on health and hygiene, businesses will need to fully track and manage all aspects of the cleaning process. Our specialist cleaning contractors can tailor hygiene and cleaning services specifically to your needs, to ensure a healthy and more productive working environment. Our SAFETouch+ package is especially beneficial, as it applies the most recent fogging technology to deliver exceptional sanitising solutions. It has been designed for disinfecting, sterilisation, anti-virus and disease prevention as well as air purification.

Post-covid, businesses must take on an extra layer of accountability, to ensure staff keep themselves and others safe. Therefore, hand sanitising will continue to be an important part of day-to-day life, with sanitiser stations remaining a crucial addition to any facility. MSL can cater for numerous industries. So, whether you require automatic hand sanitisers for your healthcare organisation or desktop hand sanitisers for your office-based business – we can help.

4. Touch-free Technology

Continuing on the topic of hygiene, technology is integral in minimising the transmission of Covid as well as other airborne viruses. Our increased caution regarding cleanliness highlights the need for contactless solutions to be incorporated into many industries. Introducing contactless entry and exit points in the workplace via QR codes, to grant access and activate doors means staff and visitors will feel safer when at work. Furthermore, contactless payments, for example in the retail industry, is another way to keep customers and employees feel protected. Such technology will not only reduce excessive contact but increase energy efficiency throughout businesses too.

5. Better Indoor Air Quality

Studies highlight that Coronavirus particles may be active for as long as 3 hours after their release. Therefore, if HVAC systems are not maintained properly, they could pose a risk of promoting the spread of the virus, as well as other airborne viruses like the common cold. Not to mention the fact that Covid also affects those with respiratory problems. And on top of this, poor indoor air quality can have an adverse effect on workplace productivity. According to a YouGov study commissioned by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), nearly 70% of office employees believe this to be true. All in all, in our post-covid world, air quality in buildings must continue to be prioritised – and facilities management can help with this.

Clogged filters in HVAC systems are futile, as they can inhibit airflow, enabling contaminants to recirculate and build up within indoor spaces. Therefore, it’s vital that all air movement units and devices are well maintained. By maintaining a comfortable temperature and decreasing humidity in workplaces, staff productivity can be increased, and health risks reduced. This can be achieved via regular maintenance of HVAC systems. For example, by employing a planned maintenance programme, your organisation will be able to keep on top of purging indoor air pollutants, to deliver fresh air in the workplace. Our specialist team at MSL can facilitate this service, cleaning your HVAC system’s filters and coils to remove bacteria and check air conditioning units are operating properly. Our team can also carry out scheduled checks and maintain your systems for you – making breakdowns less likely.

6. Configuring Workplace Space

Although the government has eased social distancing rules, many employees still feel more comfortable knowing workstations are distanced suitably. Therefore, the post-covid world sees more facilities transition to open plan workplaces. Spaces like this are much easier to clean, and they restrict the amount of surface areas that staff must touch. Plus, open workplace environments are beneficial for increased ventilation – improving indoor air quality. MSL can help configure workplace space with a number of tools. For example, our professionals can install sneeze guards in between office desks or in front of supermarket checkouts. This can help reduce the risk of Coronavirus transmission as well as other airborne viruses.

Even in a post-covid world, controlling the virus remains integral in how facilities are managed and designed. This is due to the fact that procedures set in place during the pandemic will continue to be useful in mitigating other airborne viruses as well as keeping people safe overall. Continuing with improving air quality, managing space occupancy and focusing on hygiene, will make for a healthier, safer and more productive workplace. A well-maintained building with the assistance of FM is one that can react promptly to the changing climate. The Covid-19 outbreak, though a difficult period in our lives, has provided an opportunity for lasting and positive change in the workplace – where facilities management expertise is crucial.

If you are interested in finding out more about how our services can contribute to improving your business in a post-covid world, get in touch with us on 0333 1234450.