Feature
Property Management in The Pandemic By Carola Mittag
T
here is no argument that COVID has changed everything. From its first appearance and unknown effects two years ago, which caused enormous fear and stress, to the present where so much more is known and understood, property management has and will continue to evolve in an ever-changing environment.
Innovation is Imperative Innovation is a systematic way to look at situations, solve problems and address opportunities. Facility managers historically have lagged in creativity and innovation. The pandemic crisis has spurred people to change and accomplish things previously unimagined. That includes where and how facility management, including administrative, custodial and contractor services is carried out.
Administrative Management This aspect of property management has had perhaps the easiest task in adapting to the working environment under pandemic conditions. Administrative staff from HR, legal, commercial and financial management may be able to work remotely by leveraging technology; thereby, reducing the risk of getting and spreading the constantly evolving variants of COVID. The nightmare indisputably falls on the shoulders of facility operations managers who must oversee the physical el-
IHM News • Winter 2022
The nightmare indisputably falls on the shoulders of facility operations managers who must oversee the physical element of facility management. ement of facility management, e.g. cleaning of premises, implementing signage, ensuring security, snow removal, bringing in outside services and contractors (installers, plumbers, electricians, HVAC etc.) and general maintenance. Their responsibilities include planning, directing, controlling and evaluating the who, how, when and where work is to be carried out in a way that will not expose residents, care providers and themselves to contracting COVID.
The innovation challenge for maintenance managers has been and continues to be monumental. With all the added requirements such as PPE, physical distancing, worker testing for the presence of virus etc., it must be remembered that all the requirements under the Occupational Health and Safety Act must continue to be upheld by all workplace parties, employers, supervisors and workers. Continued on page 12
13
