Sustainable real estate is now taking the spotlight, especially in the post-lockdown landscape. Apart from the increasing concern towards Climate Change, pandemic proofing the workplace in green buildings has proven to become easier.
In the Philippines, demand for premium spaces that put its occupants’ wellness and safety. According to the Singapore Green Building Council, the technologies employed by green buildings can help the world prepare for a future when pandemics are more common. Green accreditation can be acquired for certain developments such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia by complying with the standards set by the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED).
Aside from its significant mindfulness of how buildings are built, energy- and water-efficient buildings are equipped with state-of-the-art filtration features that are more likely to reduce respiratory infections and other cardiovascular diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) also acknowledged the shift in priority when it comes to places where people congregate or spend time in as it can save lives, lower threats to the health condition of a community, and improve quality of life.
How to pandemic-proof the office
- Frequent disinfection
Common areas such as pantries, meeting rooms, bathrooms, and occupied workspaces should always be sanitized to lower the risk of transmission and infection. According to a study, a typical workplace desk has more than 10 million bacteria—significantly higher than kitchen tables and a toilet seat. This also includes communal items or fixtures in the office such as door handles and light switches.
Research also shows poor office hygiene can lower workforce productivity and physical attendance. Property protocols must be more conscious of hygiene when revisited and implemented for its routine cleaning and disinfection.
JEG Tower @ One Acacia has since improved its building-based features by placing automatic doors for main entry points and a top-of-the-line hand dryer with antibacterial additives to ensure a cleaner experience for tenants.
RELATED: Pushing Sustainable Offices: Leveraging smart technology for safety, productivity
- Integrate technology
Green technology has been in demand as the need for a highly digital, contactless, or touchless experience rises. Investing in long-range thermal scanners to check body temperature in the entrance and other sensor-enabled fixtures to operate shared amenities are now considered as a necessity in the post-lockdown business landscape.
Connectivity also goes beyond relationship as engagement becomes a focal point in the virtual shift of most businesses. Employing better communication tools such as Zoom or MS Teams can be utilized to simulate a sense of belongingness and community through video conferencing should be well-considered.
This also inspires confidence in a safer and quicker workplace reentry for building occupants.
RELATED: The Future of Workplace: Contactless features and smart technology
- Focus on employee wellbeing
With the severe impacts of the pandemic, an onslaught of mental health issues is also being hurdled. According to studies, the risk of mental illness has been quite encompassing across all age groups and is affecting even children under the age of 5.
Businesses must be ready to offer support such as counseling sessions and allocate spaces for responsible socialization. Meeting rooms or collaboration hubs may be opened for a limited capacity to maintain physical distancing.
In addition, certain individuals must also be trained to respond to a possible crisis or coping inquiries to keep every employees’ headspace clear and healthy throughout a challenging time.
- Push for more greenery
Introducing greenery or outdoor biophilic design in the workplace not only helps improve overall mood but it can also allow for human interaction in a well-ventilated area. Allowing movement, exposure to natural light, and breathing fresh air can also boost cognitive function.
In Cebu, JEG Tower @ One Acacia features a green roof located on the 22nd floor. Aside from its natural preservation of flora and its iconic Acacia tree, it will also help lessen pollution in the air that will benefit the community.
Looking at office space options in Cebu? Contact Mike Glindro at (+63) 917-825-6884 or email to mike.g@kmcmaggroup.com.