Property Management in The Pandemic

By Carola Mittag

There 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 elThe 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.

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.

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Under clause 25(2)(h) of the OHSA, the employer is required to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker. Keep in mind that an owner may also be an employer under the Act.

Resident Management

While this may not be feasible for a significant percentage of housing residents, setting up a communication portal or app can assist and improve communication with residents regarding changes to their housing conditions as public health measures change. The portal can be a one-stop solution for residents to know the latest events in their community. Having an app for residents makes it easy for them to reach out anytime, anywhere. It is a way for property managers to keep the doors of communication open by sending a monthly snapshot of activities to residents.

New technology will challenge property managers, especially because it involves a major shift from previously accepted practices. The changing environment will challenge everyone to adapt, innovate and transform what was into what can be in this new era.

Questions regarding additional and new health and safety compliance requirements under pandemic conditions, including required pandemic-specific policies can be directed to the experts at Mentor Safety Consultants for a no-cost discovery call.

Carola Mittag is the former owner of Workplace Safety Group and currently advisor to Mentor Safety.

MSCI offers professional safety consulting services and Chief Prevention Officer (CPO) – approved certifications for joint health and safety committees (in-class and virtual) and Working at Heights, as well as customized training programs.

MSCI has developed auditing tools to ensure that facilities and property managers meet all legislative health and safety compliance requirements.

Email Carola at wpsgceo@gmail.com u

CALLING ALL PROPERTY MANAGERS…

We know that a Property Manager’s job can be both challenging and interesting. How often have you come to work with your day all planned in your head only to have something unexpected come along? We are looking for some stories to share with your colleagues in the Property Management field.

If you have an interesting story that you would be willing to author, please contact the Newsletter Committee at info@ihmcanada.net