Nordic property giant Skanska has implemented new safety standards in its office buildings across the CEE region, unveiling its latest 'pandemic-proof' office protocol.
The new 'care for life office concept' includes recommendations regarding hygiene and safety, the adaptation of existing technologies in Skanska’s buildings and the reorganisation of office areas. The concept is being developed for Skanska buildings in CEE in cooperation with external experts.
A number of the methodologies have arisen from Skanska's pratical implementation of safety precautions in offices and on building sites from March of this year, designed to mitigate the spread of coronavirus.
Coupled with flex office hours and home working, Skanska said that its pandemic protocols had been a success to date, and were now allowing staff members to return to offices.
Skanska also said that its latest construction projects were being delivered without significant delays.
'The global remote-working test is now becoming a return-to-the-office exercise and learning new ways of mixed working both in the office and at home,' said Katarzyna Zawodna-Bijoch, president and CEO of Skanska's office business unit, CEE.
'It requires setting up new rules for the offices, but also the specific adaptation of our workplaces, as business needs continuity. The safety and wellbeing of our employees, customers, partners and communities are Skanska’s top priority and go hand in hand with one of our core values – care for life.'
To provide employees with clear guidelines and information on the new set-up, Skanska offices have been equipped with specially designed visual identifications that help follow social-distancing policies.
All pandemic-related interior communication is standardised and made from sustainable materials. It includes posters and floor markings with recommendations for every area or room in the office and general rules to follow. Meanwhile, technology solutions like Connected by Skanska provide contactless options.
'Free movement around office buildings will be limited for the next months,' said Andrei Ivan, Sustainovation director at Skanska commercial development CEE. 'That is why we adjusted our own offices and are helping tenants and clients to do so as well. We are working closely with our own architects and an epidemiologist to provide the best suited workplaces to our clients.'
