Last year, even with low occupancy at many properties, property management teams and essential on-site staff were challenged in ways they have never been before.
Suddenly their job wasn’t simply about seamless building operations, optimal performance, and tenant and client satisfaction—they were tasked with multiple new responsibilities overnight. Property management and engineering staff, janitorial, and security personnel never ceased.
Throughout the pandemic, property teams have pivoted several times through various stages of reopening based on location.
Shortly after offices closed, property managers immediately sought ways to implement operating expense reductions due to significantly reduced occupancy. They modified the building system sequence of operations, access control, and more to ensure all required services were provided but not wasted.
As offices started to reopen at reduced capacities, they developed and implemented building-specific recovery readiness plans, utilizing tools like Cushman & Wakefield’s Recovery Readiness guide and trained building occupants on a new health and wellness protocols to promote safe re-entry.
They were also tasked with enforcing PPE requirements amongst building occupants and staff and implementing enhanced cleaning requirements per CDC guidelines. Communication was paramount as government mandates continuously evolved, and positive cases increased, requiring constant and immediate notification to landlords and tenants.
In some cases, the pandemic escalated updates and initiatives landlords planned for the long-term, such as increased outdoor air, the addition of outdoor seating, modifying and enhancing HVAC systems, and more.
All of the above responsibilities fell to building staff while also maintaining team well-being, connection, and morale.
To put it simply–they were and continue to be the glue that ensures steady operations at a time when so much is uncertain. I am grateful for the property teams throughout DFW. You immediately rose to the occasion to increase safety and tenant comfort, ultimately allowing for a safer return to work as quickly as possible.
So, to the essential property management workforce who have remained onsite throughout the pandemic to maintain building operations, supporting our clients and tenants, and implementing safety precautions and new technology to ensure the workplace is safe for businesses to return to the office, we thank you.
Lynne Hejtmanek is the managing director of Asset Services at Cushman & Wakefield.
