Page 31 - Issue 45 Sept2020
P. 31
REALESTATENJTM 29
ROUNDTABLE
WHAT IS A LESSER-KNOWN NEED, ISSUE OR CONCERN WHEN PREPARING FOR A POST-COVID WORKPLACE?
philosophy will help us not only weather this storm today but achieve a bright tomorrow.
LEO PAYTAS
SENIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR
NEWMARK KNIGHT FRANK (RUTHERFORD)
It’s an interesting question as there could be a lot of unseen challenges wefaceina
post-COVID
workplace,
especially given
everyone’s
individual risk
tolerance level.
Or, if a vaccine
is here earlier
than expected, we may face fewer challenges than expected. It continues to be a very fluid environment. However, one of those concerns may circle around innovation and problem- solving. How do we maintain social distancing and continue to collaborate on issues? Innovation is something that happens organically and can’t
be scheduled. It happens when we bump into each other in the hall or in the kitchen, and something sparks a conversation that leads to innovations.
JUDY TROIANO
SENIOR ASSOCIATE
NAI JAMES E. HANSON (TETERBORO)
There are countless studies speaking to how plants and nature can have
a soothing and calming impact
on people,
particularly
in a corporate
setting. As
people begin
to return to the
workplace after
a long hiatus,
I think it is
important for landlords to find ways to bring nature into their spaces or make the nature surrounding their spaces more accessible. This can be something as simple and cost-effective as adding more natural light, green walls or additional plants, each of which have proven positive impacts on air quality and noise reduction, as well as stress levels and employee creativity. Finally, landlords should also try to add nature trails and more natural landscaping to the outside of their buildings to provide tenants with spaces to unwind amidst what could be a stressful transition back to the office. RE
MATT MCDONOUGH
MANAGING DIRECTOR TRANSWESTERN (FLORHAM PARK)
The big concern ahead on everyone’s minds is how we are
going to use office space in our post-COVID workplace climate. Many companies
will likely
still include a certain amount
of remote work for their employees but relying on this too heavily
can make it extremely difficult to effectively recruit talent and to form new initiatives that impact the organization as a whole. There’s also the issue of corporate culture — if a strong corporate culture is already established, the best way to reinforce that is through in-person office activities that bring together both new and current employees. Companies will need to determine how to balance this with the flexibility of remote work.
CHRISTINA JORDAN
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & LEASING
DENHOLTZ PROPERTIES (RED BANK)
While there is much that is still uncertain about how and when workers will return en masse
to workplaces, it is becoming increasingly clear that landlords must begin to think beyond HVAC systems and cleaning protocols when it comes to what building wellness means. By better
understanding how their spaces can have a positive impact on people’s health and well-being, landlords can recognize opportunities to help their tenants lead healthier lives. This can be as simple as informing tenants about resources to manage mental health and access support services within the local community. Looking at more substantive steps, landlords can look to add on-site support
services, fitness- and wellness- focused programming or new spaces for employees to unwind. Through these
steps, landlords can help foster improved mental and physical health for their tenants while creating buildings that are deeply focused on the wellness of all those within their walls.
MICHAEL BERGMAN
CEO AND PRESIDENT
BERGMAN REAL ESTATE GROUP (WOODBRIDGE)
Now that our Bergman Cares safety program is up and running, we’ve had time to reflect —understand the positives and where there’s room for
improvement. For us, it all comes down
to the guiding principle for the entire program — listening. Hearing what our tenants want.
Even pre-pandemic, we’ve always had an open line of communication. That’s how we have maintained a strong bond with our tenants — listening to their requests so we can develop the right solution.
Aside, from the safety practicalities, we are also taking into account our tenants’ emotional state. What can we do to not just provide peace of mind but lift spirits as well? Yoga classes. Outdoor lounge areas. Amenities
that add a smile to our tenants’ day while falling within the state safety guidelines. Living by this tenant-driven
Addressing COVID-19 With Plans for a Healthier Built Environment
To learn more about LAN’s COVID-19
Midland Park, NJ | Goshen, NY | Voorhees, NJ | Bethlehem, PA
KENNETH H. KARLE, PRESIDENT, AIA, PP, PE, LEED® AP
How We Can Help
• Reopening Plans
•
• Bipolar Ionization
•
Water Systems
•
Planning
•
Planning
•
Preparedness
Listen. Solve. Implement.
HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT REAL ESTATE NJ?
Contact Editor Josh Burd
at josh@re-nj.com.
