disease Archives - JEG Tower @ One Acacia Cebu, Philippines

February 23, 2021February 23, 2021

JEG Tower @ One Acacia to launch its redefined ‘new normal’ workplace soon

JEG Tower @ One Acacia nears its completion and launch this 2021. Amid the pandemic, JEG Development Corporation (JDC) is working hard to deliver Cebu City’s newest premium green building to add to the region’s portfolio of sustainable developments.

The tower’s showroom on the 7th floor is also now open to accommodate interested tenants who want to locate in this award-winning green and pandemic-proof commercial establishment. The showroom is a sample retail unit on the lower floors of the building. Whole floor office cuts are also available for viewing.

As a culmination of Cebuano heritage and pride, JDC aims to highlight the following through its first high-rise commercial development:

Delivering The Best, Safest Workplace

This 22-storey, Grade A commercial development was named 2020’s Best Commercial Green Development at the 8th Property Guru Philippine Property Awards. Apart from being last year’s country winner, it is also shortlisted as the Philippines’ Best Office Development. With its future-proof and sophisticated features, JEG Tower offers one of the best business addresses within the Cebu Central Business District.

With the threats of the COVID-19 pandemic, JEG Tower has pivoted to adapt to the needs of a post-pandemic workforce. It utilizes top-grade technology to offer the best working environment to its tenants such as MERV-13 air filters, Fresh Air system for optimal indoor air quality, contactless fixtures, and provisions for additional sanitation and disinfection areas.

Standalone temperature checking stations are also placed in the main entry points of the estate to ensure the fitness of all tenants and visitors. Automatic sliding doors are also installed for a touchless access to the building.

JEG Tower @ One Acacia has also equipped the building with Destination Oriented Allocation System elevators as part of their contact tracing efforts and crowd management. It goes beyond just providing the most premium amenities but guarantees the safety of its occupants.

Showcasing Sustainability

As one of the few LEED-certified developments in the Visayan region, JEG Tower goes beyond being one of the frontrunners of sustainability and sophistication. Built with green materials and sustainable construction methods, JEG Tower @ One Acacia is characterized by its energy-efficient features, reduced water usage, and efficient waste management facilities. The tower is also remarkable with its unique garden rooftop that serves as a landmark in the Cebu City Skyline.

Showcasing Homegrown Talent

JEG Tower @ One Acacia has highlighted the skills and expertise of homegrown businesses and industries. Aside from pushing for sustainability, JDC also aims to support fellow local players in the industry. The company has collaborated with local suppliers, consultants, vendors in completing construction. In the process, JDC has become a partner for these businesses’ growth.

The 7th floor showroom also features pieces from Cebu-based furniture and design companies that were carefully curated to complement the building’s sophisticated design. Some of the furniture and decorative pieces in JEG Tower’s showroom also highlight Cebu’s rich heritage and culture.

Showcasing Cebu

Office tenants can also enjoy Cebu City’s views from their workstations provided by the large windows available in each unit. Larger windows are more ideal in a workplace environment as it allows maximum natural lighting for the employees’ comfort and health. Numerous studies have found that exposure to daylight and access to natural views improve employees’ moods and boost their morale.

More than its tourism and heritage, Cebu is also the Visayan Region’s economic center with its bustling central business districts: Cebu Business Park and Cebu IT Park. Located along the city’s main thoroughfare, JEG Tower captures the market from both business districts.

With its ideal location, world-class green features, and top-grade amenities, JEG Tower @ One Acacia is the best option for companies looking for office and retail spaces in Cebu City.

Schedule a tour of our showroom today! Contact Lorenzo Rodriguez at (+63) 917-825-6884 or send an email to lorenzo.rodriguez@kmcmaggroup.com.

October 6, 2020January 11, 2021

How Green Roofs Help the Environment

Sustainable developments are growing increasingly in demand especially with the calls to act on Climate Change and the realization of the severe impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. According to the World Green Building Council, green buildings now go beyond the environment as it can also create resilient and thriving communities, and drive economic growth.

Advancement in climate-proof construction paves the way for more estates to adopt sustainable features. One of the widely considered amenities is the Green Roof. The US Environmental Protection Agency defined it as a layer of vegetation grown on the rooftop to provide shade, remove heat from the air, and reduce temperature on the surface.

More urbanized cities move to encourage green roofs on most buildings due to its main benefits: temperature and energy. US EPA reported that these roofs significantly lower the heat island effect during the day, and the city-wide ambient temperature. According to studies, it can drop temperatures by 30 – 40 degrees Fahrenheit lower than the conventional roofing.

Green roofs also prove to be more cost-efficient in terms of energy as developments record 0.7% less usage after it reduced electricity demand. This leads to annual savings of $ 0.23 per square foot of the roof’s surface, making it increasingly popular globally.

The shift to resilient and green buildings can also directly impact overall recovery. It can result in the creation of more job opportunities and boost economic growth further due to innovation to deliver appropriate technology and healthy manufacturing or construction activity.

The Co-Benefits of Green Roofs

The advantages of green roofs have a direct relationship to society and the environment. Apart from temperature and energy efficiency, it has a role to play in minimizing the risks of pollution and building better biodiversity in urban areas.

The plants in the green roof can help clean or purify the air that guarantees that communities within and outside the building breathe better. The reduction in ambient temperature makes the working environment cooler and produces a more comfortable indoor climate while lessening the demand on the air conditioning system. Building who use solar panels can also do well with a green roof as it maximizes its efficiency without the burden of high energy costs.

Green roofs can also act as a sound barrier. It can absorb sound that provides for quieter surroundings and less noise pollution inside and outside of the building. Enhanced property protection is also an observable selling point of a green roof as plants tend to create more moisture reducing the risk of fires, and it can also cover roofing material from external factors that can further extend its lifespan.

Increased biodiversity can also improve city environments as it becomes a habitat for birds, butterflies and insects, and plants. Such greenery also promotes healing and interactions. These spaces can help put people in better moods and trigger positive emotions while maintaining social interaction and movement in well-ventilated areas.

A Move Toward A Greener Philippines

The Philippines is at the forefront of installing green spaces or biophilic design in real estate. In Cebu, JEG Tower @ One Acacia is one of the few developments that take the responsibility of creating more sustainable spaces to protect the health and wellness of its community.

Developer, JEG Development Corporation is committed to bringing a greener approach to its high-rise tower. The addition of ground floor gardens, pocket green spaces for better ventilation, and a state-of-the-art green roof continues to herald its dedication to sustainability. Apart from a diverse curation of flora and fauna, a live tree will also be placed on the rooftop to further preserve the natural elements and biodiversity it carries.

Discuss your green building options today! Contact Michael Glindro at (+63) 917-584-0443 or email him at mike.g@kmcmaggroup.com.

September 29, 2020September 29, 2020

Workplace Re-Entry 101: Why choose green buildings as your next office

As many industries move to expedite their recovery from the severe impacts of COVID-19, the inevitable return to the office has been a point of concern. Globally, sustainable developments have been recognized as a key contributor in helping more companies transition back to the post-lockdown world.

The World Economic Forum believes that a green recovery must be kickstarted. Apart from having access to healthier food or improved social mobility, sustainability is a much more resilient approach in planning infrastructure found in our cities and neighborhood. It is ideal to start constructing better structures or refurbishing existing ones for a greener space given its holistic benefits.

According to the World Green Building Council, green buildings could help in the fight against COVID-19 or any public health emergencies through two key elements: prevention and control. These estates go beyond the minimum health protocols of physical distancing and isolation through its building based measures.

Pushing for sustainable spaces cover the basics of community management, disinfection, environmental cleaning, access to medical assistance, and ventilation. Most green buildings feature natural ventilation, improved indoor air quality and filtration, and efficient waste management. It can also employ It Destination-oriented allocation system elevators and include biophilic design to their overall workplace design.

For LEED-accredited buildings, the efficiency of water, air, and energy systems are prioritized and monitored beyond cost or responding to the concerns brought about by the pandemic. As a pre-certified Silver LEED building, JEG Tower @ One Acacia has made sure that its Heat, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system are sealed even during construction. It also installed the MERV-13 filter to further protect the health of the occupants and the environment they work in.

As more buildings move to highlight their health performance, other developments add UV-C sanitation measures to their office or commercial amenities and fixtures. In Cebu, JEG Tower also takes notes of key disinfection measures dedicated to common areas such as the bathrooms. The building is equipped with the most-hygienic hand dryers that have HEPA filters and anti-bacterial additives to avoid contamination in their spaces.

Countless smart technology can be used to offer premium green offices. According to the Singapore Green Building Council, taking advantage of innovative systems, buildings will be able to adjust to the post-COVID-19 environment with improved safety and sustainability. This can be seen in sensor-enabled entry through automatic doors, self-check thermal scanners, and foot handles that can be utilized for a touchless or contactless experience that adds inherent protection to these spaces.

Beyond the investment in physical health and better working environments, patronizing a green recovery will also help boost the economy. According to the World Bank, it can bring more jobs in the short term and consistent growth in the long run as investing in natural capital, resource efficiency, and sustainable and clean energy production have a higher economic multiplier.

The shift to sustainability will definitely provide better opportunities to transition better to the new normal and grow a healthier community, safer spaces, and a much more resilient economy globally.

Looking to expand or locate to a green building? Contact Lorenzo Rodriguez at +63 917 825 6884 or send an email to lorenzo.rodriguez@kmcmaggroup.com to discuss your options.

September 22, 2020September 22, 2020

Well & Green: How JEG Tower @ One Acacia delivers the best workplace in Cebu

The inevitable anxiety of returning to the workplace amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic becomes more pressing recently. More companies are looking to locate in premium offices that are safe and conducive for working without losing sight of occupants’ health and wellness.

A more sustainable approach to building construction has paved the way for making this possible. Going green is typically tied to being environmentally friendly. According to the World Green Building, real estate and construction are the top industries responsible for 39% of global energy-related carbon emissions.

With the Net Zero initiative aiming for decarbonization by 2025, JEG Tower @ One Acacia goes beyond sustainable as it seeks to pandemic-proof its spaces with building-based prevention and control measures that benefit both the environment and the workforce. As one of the LEED buildings in Cebu, the tower is built from recyclable construction materials from steel to cement made from coal-fire powerplant waste.

Beyond the green aspect, it takes on the responsibility of ensuring that its immediate community is safe by adhering to minimum public health standards, physical distancing, disinfection, and biophilic design.

JEG Tower has focused on pivoting the evolving needs of the workplace in the post-lockdown business landscape. Through the intelligent utilization of technology, automatic sliding doors have been installed in the main entrance for touchless access to the building.

Thermal scanners in the tower are wired and can automatically take your temperature through a sensor without assistance. In place of contact tracing efforts, employees will use the free-standing scanners by the main entry point while guests must get their temperature through a tabletop scanner available in the reception area where they will also be asked to register.

Understanding the risk of infection in common areas where most people often congregate, JEG Tower @ One Acacia has added anti-bacterial fixtures and above standards filtration to minimize risks. MERV-13 filtration has been installed to complement its energy-efficient Heat, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system to improve indoor air quality and sanitation.

Frequent handwashing is also encouraged as the building’s bathrooms are equipped with the best and fastest hand dryers to date. Accredited by the NSF and HACCP International, the Dyson Airblade is recognized as the fastest and most hygienic due to its built-in HEPA filters, anti-bacterial additive, and touch-free operation.

Employing Airblade technology is also low on energy consumption and is environmentally friendly as it records up to 79% less CO₂and up to 76% less in paper towel use. True to its commitment to being an iconic green estate, it also allocated ample space to its Material Recycling Facility and has amply situated 5 recycling bins for paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, and glass.

Moreover, according to the Singapore Green Building Council’s in-depth research, biophilia and views are one of the top seven facets often associated to a green and healthy office. JEG Tower @ One Acacia uses this concept to upgrade the working environment by designing spaces that allow for maximum views and natural light. It also features a green roof that can help reduce stress and encourage sociability and movement.

Explore your premium office options in Cebu. Contact Michael Glindro at (+63) 917-584-0443 or send an email to mike.g@kmcmaggroup.com.

September 15, 2020September 15, 2020

Championing Sustainability: How JEG Tower gives back to Cebu workforce

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a shift in priorities around the world. Its impacts have been far-reaching and have affected multiple sectors and industries. In Philippine real estate, current developments or estates have been quick to rethink the commercial and office spaces that they are offering.

Traditionally, the office is seen as a place of work where the employees are usually measured by the output produced. As the pandemic persists, the clear line that divides work and life blurs and so a more efficient integration is required.

According to experts, integration is all about synergy, not trade-offs. The same mindset can then be applied to the building of sustainable yet premium spaces that fosters a productive environment without sacrificing public safety and wellness.

JEG Tower @ One Acacia envisions a workplace in Cebu that puts its occupants’ health as its top priority. JDC has taken a holistic approach in ensuring that employees feel taken care of by providing them a space that is designed to respond to their need for protection not only physically but mentally.

As one of the main proponents of sustainability in the metro, JEG Tower @ One Acacia prides itself as one of the leading LEED buildings that used environmentally friendly materials with recyclable content in its steel bars, glass, and solar reflective paint. It is also equipped with efficient and cost-saving energy, water, and waste systems that significantly lowers its carbon footprint and avoids other hazards posed to its immediate community.

Keeping people in mind, JEG Tower has since upgraded its facilities to successfully navigate and secure the post-lockdown business landscape. Indoor air quality is improved through the installation of a state-of-the-art MERV-13 filtration system that effectively prevents viral transmission.

Safer re-entry to the office is also guaranteed through the placement of thermal scanners and minimizing touchpoints through automatic doors and sensor-enabled fixtures in common areas such as elevators and restrooms. In compliance with strict social distancing protocols, JEG Tower also utilizes Destination Oriented Allocation System (DOAS) technology in their elevators to prevent the usual congestion by efficiently managing car allocation reduce wait and travel time.

The rise of the outdoor office

Workplace designers are also recommending the introduction of biophilic elements in these evolving spaces. Experts say that nature is truly beneficial to both productivity and wellness. Gensler Chicago’s Managing Director Todd Heiser added that spaces with high levels of choice, variety, and balance deliver an excellent experience at work.

Beyond stress reduction, biophilic spaces outdoors are generally known to be inspiring. Steelcase Vice President Allan Smith said that it is also proven to enhance well-being. support hospitality and expand the workplace ecosystem to inspire creative collaboration further.

According to TIME, accessibility and quality of green spaces also matter in ensuring satisfaction and improving the human experience. In the Netherlands, residents reportedly better mental health and more emotional attachment when exposed to quality greenery.

JEG Tower @ One Acacia has also integrated biophilic elements into their spaces. It dedicated 20% of the estate to greenspaces and features a unique green roof for recreational activities that encourage employee movement and sociability.

Looking for a safe workplace post-lockdown? Reach out to Lorenzo Rodriguez at (+63) 917-825-6884 or email your inquiry to lorenzo.rodriguez@kmcmaggroup.com.

September 9, 2020September 14, 2020

JEG Tower @ One Acacia Showroom: What to expect?

As the completion of JEG Tower @ One Acacia gets nearer, potential building occupiers and office lessees can have a more realistic view and feel of how their workspace could look like through the building’s showroom.

Located on the tower’s 7th floor, the showroom will feature and demonstrate some of the reasons why you should consider locating your business at the best workplace in Cebu City.

JEG Development Corporation’s first high-rise venture has implemented sustainable design for all its office spaces. As one of the newest premium green buildings in Cebu, the office spaces at the JEG Tower elevate the human experience by promoting their health, wellness, and safety without compromising the condition and wellbeing of the planet. Each office unit aims to maximize benefits for the occupants’ well-being and improve their work performance and output.

JEG Tower’s offices utilize the Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) air conditioning system that is more energy efficient and provides better indoor air quality for the building tenants. According to technical reports and ratings, this type of air conditioning system can reduce energy costs by up to 30 percent or more. VRF also has the potential to deliver long-term savings for building occupiers.

Office tenants can also enjoy Cebu City’s captivating views from their workstations provided by the large windows on each unit. Larger windows are more ideal in a workplace environment as it allows maximum natural lighting for the employees’ comfort and health. Numerous studies have found that exposure to daylight and access to natural views improve employees’ moods and boost their morale. They are also found to be more productive if they are working in a setting with ideal and ample lighting.

JEG Tower’s bathrooms will also utilize innovative fixtures that conserve water and promote reduced water usage. The building’s greenspaces are also maintained by water efficient landscaping that ensures minimal water waste.

Watch out for JEG Tower @ One Acacia’s showroom updates soon! For site viewings, contact Lorenzo Rodriguez at (+63) 917-825-6884 or send an email to jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com. You may also call us at (+63) 2-8403-5519.

September 4, 2020September 14, 2020

The Importance of Biophilic Design in a Post-Lockdown Office

The future of the workplace is now being shaped by the pandemic and its implications on health, socialization, and the ideal office set up for its occupiers’ security and safety. Many are proposing that a biophilic may be the most ideal workplace design in a post-pandemic era. A biophilic office became on-trend to ‘bring the outside in’. Biophilic offices aim to increase the connection between people and nature by incorporating natural elements through texture, scenery, and lighting into the actual workspace.

In the previous years, the shift towards promoting a greener space in the office has been greatly campaigned for. Studies find that incorporating biophilic design has a positive effect on the employees’ productivity, mood, and health. In fact, workplace strategists have reported that office spaces which introduce elements of nature have witnessed a decrease in the levels of mental fatigue among staff members and an increase in levels of workplace wellbeing.

RELATED: Building a ‘Biophilic’ Office: What is Biophilia and How can it Benefit your Business

Businesses prioritize the health and safety of their workforce as employees start coming back to the office amid the threats of the COVID-19 pandemic. More than strict precautionary measures protecting the physical health, employers should also cater to the emotional and mental well-being of their people.

Open Plan to Open Air

While many companies have resorted to shifting to a remote working scheme, others have slowly commenced their business re-entry strategies as lockdown restrictions ease. Moreover, employees believe that working from their homes is not really a viable long-term solution transitioning into the new normal. As the world adapts to the new ways dictated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the office evolves to attend to additional safety needs and requirements.

Frontrunners of a biophilic office argue that this office design will not only ensure the protection and safety of its occupiers, but it will also improve it as it addresses the overall wellness of people—from their physical to their psychosocial needs in the workplace. This should be given emphasis as ‘the boundaries between work and personal life are becoming more and more blurred’ given the different circumstances brought by the health crisis.

One of the simplest requirements for building a biophilic office is the introduction of plants and greenspaces within the work area. By introducing plants, either in pots or in the form of living green walls into the office environment, indoor air quality is improved as the vegetation can help in absorbing pollutants, toxins, and disease-carrying viruses. This can complement a building’s air filtration system that optimizes disease prevention.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, related to the health and comfort of its occupants. Research has found that IAQ is two to five times worse than outdoor air quality. In fact, according to research by the US Joint Commission, 40 percent of all sickness absence is down to indoor air pollution or poor air quality.

One study has concluded that air filtration in the office as a response to the pandemic is very crucial in reducing transmission and cross infection within working environments.

Another study has confirmed that plants can remove harmful volatile organic compounds such as formaldehyde and benzene, which can be commonly found in paint, carpeting, and furniture of most buildings. Plants can also bring vapor back into the air and prevent dry air that irritates sensitive membranes in the nose and throat, making employees more susceptible to viruses and allergens.

Biophilic offices can also greatly impact the mental health and cognitive function of employees, especially as they face more stress and anxiety in the time of a pandemic. According to research, while physically being inside a confined space, biophilic features such as green space and access to natural lighting can help reduce stress, anger, and anxiety. It can also lead to improved self-esteem and a better image of self in the long run.

Gensler reported that being exposed to nature through a biophilic office can help foster a more positive outlook within the workspace. Exposing employees to natural light, refreshing views, and fresh indoor air can create a more harmonious and positive outlook in the office.

Moreover, employees who are exposed to natural daylight are more productive and inspired to complete tasks at hand. Scientifically, sunlight boosts the creation of the body’s melatonin that regulates the sleep-wake cycle of people, creating a positive impact on their energy levels.

Interior design consultant Lloyd Coldrick noted that workplace design has the power to change the state of mind. He said, “We are all highly sensitive to the behavioral cues embedded in our environments and unthinkingly adjust our mannerisms, mood, and body language as we adapt to our surroundings.”

Investing in an office apt for the new normal? Reach out to Michael Glindro and know more about JEG Tower @ One Acacia. Call him at (+63) 917-584-0443 or send an email to mike.g@kmcmaggroup.com. For inquiries, call us at (+63) 2-8403-5519 or email jegtower@kmcmagroup.com.

August 28, 2020September 14, 2020

Pushing Sustainable Offices: Leveraging smart technology for safety, productivity

Returning to a safer and smarter workplace has been a consideration for most businesses and locators in the Philippines. As the global struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic persists, the post-lockdown landscape is focusing on adopting technology and stringent measures to make sure that people and communities are not at risk in environments they frequent such as the office.

A shift to a more sustainable and smart office is slowly becoming a main point of distinction. In the Philippines, experts say that majority are still likely to return to physical office spaces for certain operational needs such as spontaneous cross-collaboration, mentorship, and even socialization.

Fostering a collaborative work environment is as important as keeping it safe. Investing in smart technology can ensure that businesses can still grow productivity and cultivate innovation amid the challenges posed by the public health crisis.

The rise of automation

Going contactless or touchless is one of the main features to consider for the smart office. Sensors, access cards, or recognition software can be utilized in the entry to and exit from the premises and its amenities. This will help reduce the risks of contamination and transmission in these spaces.

In some buildings such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia, you can enter through automatic sliding doors, and scanning of QR codes will be implemented so employees and visitors can input their information in a hassle-free manner. In common area bathrooms, automatic faucets and flushing will be installed to make it hands-free or remove unnecessary surface contact.

More technology efficiency

Beyond disease prevention, sustainability is supported by smart technology via more efficient use of energy. Elevators using Destination Oriented Allocation System is recommended as it helps reduce congestion at the halls via efficient authorization at security gates and optimum car allocation.

As one of the premium LEED buildings in Cebu, JEG Tower is one of the spaces that focus on energy efficiency or the proper use of resources for the sake of the environment. This is not only impactful to the occupants of the building but also the Cebuano community as a whole.

Improved Connection

The gradual return of the workforce will demand better communication channels and connectivity. Beyond strong ICT infrastructure, smart offices should enable stable and streamlined communication within and outside the organization by availing hi-tech equipment, telco provisions, internet options, and use of software or apps that can support frequent digital communication and collaboration.

Safer Conduct of Business

With the ongoing pandemic, minimum public health standards and protocols are in place and should be followed. Prioritizing client and workforce wellbeing by digitizing key aspects of transactions and operations through the smarter use of technology will help guarantee customer satisfaction and employee retention.

Utilizing digital tools or online-based platforms for virtual tours or contactless payment options will assure convenience and more security. In line with this, one can schedule site viewings to JEG Tower @ One Acacia and answer the mandated health declaration form online ahead of the visit. A 360 virtual showroom will also soon be available for easier viewing of their premium spaces.

The pivot towards sustainability and pandemic-proofing the workplace goes beyond aesthetics. The value of spaces can be reliant on its ability to invest in the correct technology that will seek to protect the wellness of occupants without sacrificing business continuity or opportunities for expansion.

August 20, 2020September 14, 2020

Sustainable Design: Impacts to New Normal and Climate Change

As the country eases to a more relaxed quarantine status, many begin to look forward to the ‘new normal’. However, health experts remind that this transition is a gradual shift, given the transition would not occur at the flip of the switch.

Different industries and business sectors have started employing various strategies to adapt to the changes brought by the pandemic. The real estate sector has undoubtedly been affected by COVID-19 in unprecedented ways, reshaping how developers and investors think about the design and purpose of buildings and establishments.

Many developments are taking the opportunity to transform the design towards sustainability, prioritizing the health and wellness of their building occupiers and contributing less to environmental degradation. Transitioning to the ‘new normal’ opens a chance for developers and property owners to create spaces that are sanitary and sustainable in the long term, collectively making cities more efficient, safer, cleaner, and smarter.

Post-Pandemic Office Makeovers

Redesigning offices to prioritize sanitation and sustainability can result in healthier workspaces. Companies are investing in smart technology to ensure the safety and protection of its employees against various health hazards.

To ensure minimized contact among occupants, a contactless or a low-touch office experience becomes the new standard. This includes limiting contact in operating certain equipment such as printer screens, elevator buttons, or door handles by replacing them with technology-enabled by sensors. Workplace strategists expect more automatic doors and screens to be more common to significantly remove the need for touching handles or pressing buttons.

New Normal Workplace Design

Many argue that open office layouts will no longer be the trend in workplace design especially in the new normal. Some suggest that many businesses will resort back to the boxed and cubicle style office to ensure physical distancing among employees.

However, since these changes will not be abrupt, companies are implementing a staggered seating plan which eradicates ‘elbow-to-elbow’ seating, and the use of shared desks and workstations. This would also result in newfound “openness” as companies reduce tables, chairs, and other office equipment that take up space.

Some are utilizing a shifting workforce scheme that effectively reduces the number of employees inside the office during specific work hours, capping the in-office staff at 30 to 50 percent to maintain social distancing.

Workplace strategists also suggest visual cues on floors and walls to ensure a safe six-feet buffer for every employee, regardless of whether they’re sitting at their desk or walking to the restroom.

Sustainability in Construction for Disease Prevention

The COVID-19 pandemic has also opened the discussion on the implications of building and construction to climate change and health. More than redesigning workplaces and implementing strategies, the real estate sector can contribute to disease prevention on a larger scale by building with the environment in mind.

According to some studies, constructing buildings account for one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions and consume 40% of the world’s energy. It is also one of the largest sources of CO2 emissions which evidently cause a rampant rise in temperature that worsen climate condition. Research has linked this to the increased risk of pathogens being transmitted between animals and humans.

Through sustainability and green real estate, buildings aim to use better materials and comply with construction methods that reduce the harmful effects on the environment. Alternative construction materials such as recycled steel, low e-glass, sheep’s wool, bamboo, and cork are beginning to be widely used. Copper is also becoming an alternative to iron construction materials since it is less hospitable to germs and disease-carrying viruses.

Aside from construction materials, the design of a building also changes to prioritize health and sustainability. Ventilation systems are being reconfigured to flow air down from the ceiling rather than from the floor up. Larger windows are also becoming the standard to allow maximum daylight and reduce energy usage inside buildings. All these modifications are geared towards achieving long-term resiliency and mitigating any future physical or market shocks, together with the reduction of a building’s carbon footprint.

These changes do not only prioritize the health and safety of employees inside buildings. These are also stringent measures that improve their happiness, motivation, and productivity inside the workspace.

The COVID-19 pandemic served as a timely reminder of the role of real estate in shaping the health of communities and impacting the environment. Given the opportunity to adapt and shift towards sustainability, buildings and developments should keep in mind that more people are in need and will demand a safer, healthier, and more sustainable environment.

Learn more about sustainability in design and real estate. Contact Lorenzo Martin Rodriguez at (+63) 917-825-6884. You can also call us at (+63) 2-8403-5519 or send an email to jegtower@kmcmaggroup.com.

June 30, 2020September 14, 2020

What is a ‘Healthy Workplace’?

A healthy workplace is an ideal place to work in. According to some research on employee behavior, one of the top three factors that employees look for in a job is a company’s commitment to health and wellbeing of its employees. This is given more emphasis as the world transitions to the new normal, giving a deeper definition to what a healthy workplace should look like.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently published a document defining what a healthy workplace should be, post pandemic. A healthy work environment is a balance of occupational health and safety, as well as health promotion efforts and initiatives. While there may be varied qualifications and qualities, the WHO has consolidated its concrete definition:

“A healthy workplace is one in which workers and managers collaborate to use a continual improvement process to protect and promote the health, safety and well-being of workers and the sustainability of the workplace by considering the following, based on identified needs.”

Physical Work Environment

Businesses can provide a healthy workplace by ensuring that the physical work environment is set to the highest industry standards and criteria. An ideal physical work environment ensures that the design and layout of the workplace is optimal for the comfort, productivity, and motivation of its employees.

The US Green Building Council (USGBC) found that potential employees prefer working in an office located in a LEED-certified building, where their health and wellbeing are considered to be top priority. The same study found that workers based in a LEED-certified green building are found to be more satisfied on their job, and that 79 percent of the respondents agree that they would choose a job in a LEED-certified building over a non-LEED building.

Uplifting health and safety in the physical work environment should cover indoor air quality, ventilation, maintained optimal humidity, and industry standard protocol for cleaning and maintenance.

Psychosocial Work Environment

A healthy workplace should go beyond physical modifications and provide greater support to employees to their psychosocial needs. The 2018 Global Talent Trends survey found that one in two employees would like to see a greater focus on well-being at their company especially on the physical, psychological and financial wellness of its employees.

A company’s culture contributes a huge role on the WHO’s definition of a healthy workplace. Programs organized and initiated by a company to promote healthy habits and uplift the general wellbeing of their employees should be holistic—providing focus not just on their physical wellbeing but looking after their mental health as well. One study also raises the issue of psychosocial hazards in the workplace that should be addressed by companies to promote a healthy workplace. These may include organizational culture and the attitudes, values, beliefs and daily practices, that can contribute as stressors to employees.

Community Health and Wellbeing

An ideal and healthy workplace is not bound by physical workstations and office floors, but should encompass communities. Providing a workplace setting that uplifts and prioritizes the overall health and wellness of its employees creates a huge impact on public health and vice versa. As active members of the community, employees who spend the majority of their day working in their offices should be in a work environment that ensures their holistic safety and wellbeing.

Premium green buildings, such as JEG Tower @ One Acacia, invests in the well-being of its building occupiers by addressing health and wellbeing in a holistic approach. By following industry-set standards and optimizing building design and operations, it is one of the most ideal locations to work in Cebu City. JEG Tower puts a premium on their health, while practicing sustainability and energy efficiency.

Tag: disease