{"id":27965,"date":"2020-05-27T14:18:50","date_gmt":"2020-05-27T11:18:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/?p=27965"},"modified":"2026-04-02T11:02:53","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T08:02:53","slug":"cushman-wakefield-return-to-the-workplace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/cushman-wakefield-return-to-the-workplace\/","title":{"rendered":"Cushman & Wakefield\u2019s \u201cSafe Six\u201d: 6 Key Factors for a Safe, Effective Return to the Workplace"},"content":{"rendered":"

As states lift stay-at-home restrictions and allow certain businesses to reopen, organizations across the nation are thinking about bringing their employees back into the workplace<\/a>. However, before this can happen, several challenges need to be addressed.<\/p>\n

As Cushman & Wakefield puts it, \u201cHow can real estate owners most effectively prepare their assets for the return of building occupants? And how can employers ensure they are prepared to receive their workforce \u2014 and that their employees are prepared for the return \u2014 so that the transition is safe, efficient, effective, and aligned to the needs of the organization and the needs of its people?\u201d<\/p>\n

In response to these concerns, the company recently released a 30-page manual that compiles insights from more than 53,000 professionals worldwide, as well as partners. Before it released the guide, Cushman & Wakefield contributed to bringing employees back into more than 800 million square feet of properties globally. The handbook, \u201cRecovery Readiness: A How-to Guide for Reopening Your Workplace<\/a>,\u201d identifies six primary areas of focus to help organizations create a safe return to the workplace. Cushman & Wakefield dubbed these \u201cThe Safe Six.\u201d<\/p>\n

1. Prepare the Building<\/h2>\n

Before people can return to a building that has been unoccupied for a significant amount of time, a variety of checks and assessments should be performed. For this, stakeholders \u2014 owners, building managers and occupants \u2014 need to work together and set clear responsibilities.<\/p>\n

Specifically, ensure that certain maintenance procedures are happening right now, when the building isn\u2019t in use. The guide includes a checklist of what to consider in terms of core infrastructure, HVAC and mechanical systems inspection \u2014 such as changing filters, flushing the building with fresh air and checking chemical levels in the water.<\/p>\n

Also, provide appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) \u2014 such as masks, eye protection and coveralls \u2014 to all on-site workers who are preparing the building, and create stations to safely dispose of it. To avoid shortages, closely monitor the availability of PPE, disinfectants and other cleaning supplies.<\/p>\n

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Source: Shutterstock<\/p><\/div>\n

2. Prepare the Workforce<\/h2>\n

The physical, psychological and emotional readiness of employees is perhaps the most important aspect of returning to the workplace. Do your best to mitigate staff anxiety<\/a> and show workers that your organization cares for them. Empathy is essential during these trying times.<\/p>\n

Additionally, because the return will most likely be completed in phases, it\u2019s important to know who will return to the office, why and when. Many roles can be highly productive working remotely<\/a>, while others need access to equipment and in-person meetings to effectively fulfill their tasks. Keep these differences in mind when deciding which workers will return to the office. Always prioritize employees\u2019 personal health and give special attention to high-risk individuals.<\/p>\n

To avoid confusion on day one, conduct online training sessions and provide information and procedures to employees ahead of time. Communication must be clear and frequent so that everyone is aware of the changes designed to keep the workplace safe, and so they all know what to expect and what to do upon return.<\/p>\n

3. Control Access<\/h2>\n

High-traffic areas \u2014 entry and exit points, lobbies, shipping and receiving depots, and elevators \u2014require special attention. For instance, you might need to implement control measures like temperature checks and screenings at building entrances, according to local regulations. Furthermore, if possible, reduce the number of entrances and stagger arrival times to avoid long lines of people waiting at the door.<\/p>\n

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Source: Shutterstock<\/p><\/div>\n

The entry sequence should feature simple and clear signage so people know where to go. This could include floor stickers identifying social distancing zones, especially in elevators.<\/p>\n

In the lobby, install plexiglass shields as needed, especially between guests and reception personnel. Adjust furniture that encourages people to gather in groups or remove it entirely to promote social distancing. Also, place hand sanitizer dispensers in strategic locations.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, separate shipping and receiving depots from general personnel areas. Require staff who handle mail and parcels to wear appropriate PPE, and sanitize the exterior of packages prior to distribution.<\/p>\n

4. Create a Social Distancing Plan<\/h2>\n

Having a good social distancing plan in place after employees return to the workplace will help minimize the risk of a new outbreak.<\/p>\n

First, consider how employees get to work. Promote safe means of transportation and, whenever possible, solo transit modes \u2014 although this is especially challenging in high-density cities, like New York City. Moreover, encourage employees to wear PPE when using public transportation and to use hand sanitizer when they arrive at the workplace.<\/p>\n

At the office, implement social distancing measures, such as:<\/p>\n