{"id":13710,"date":"2020-07-22T14:31:08","date_gmt":"2020-07-22T21:31:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentecdirect.com\/blog\/?p=13710"},"modified":"2023-08-02T09:02:35","modified_gmt":"2023-08-02T16:02:35","slug":"property-management-tips-for-returning-to-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentecdirect.com\/blog\/property-management-tips-for-returning-to-work\/","title":{"rendered":"Property Management Tips for Returning to Work"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Property<\/p>\n

What a confusing time as states and counties seem to be in flux between reopening and reclosing and all the phases in between. In this uncertainty, many businesses are beginning to reengage with the public and people are being asked to return to work.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to transition safely and fluidly between working from home and returning to the office is important to your health and the health of those you encounter.<\/span><\/p>\n

Check out this regularly updated interactive map from the New York Times to
\nSee How All 50 States Are Reopening (and Closing Again)<\/a><\/strong>
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Returning to Work – Stress Management<\/span><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s completely normal to be stressed and feel anxious about going back to work during these uncertain times.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reminds us that everyone is in an unusual situation so you\u2019re not alone. They recommend to prioritize your mental health and <\/span>be sure to take plenty of breaks to help with stress relief.<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Stress takes its toll not only in our mental wellbeing but also on our sleep health and immune system. Because of this, it is vitality important while transitioning back to the office to prioritize stress management.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Preparation and planning also help alleviate stress and offers a feeling of safety and some semblance of control.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The two important themes for planning and preparation to return to work are illness avoidance (staying healthy) and illness prevention (keeping others healthy).
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Top Priority: Illness Prevention and Avoidance<\/span><\/h2>\n

The level of action to take should correspond to the level of contact, interaction, and exposure.\u00a0<\/span>As been said many times but bears repeating, the four basic steps to prevent the spread and avoid catching ill are to:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Wash Your Hands<\/strong>
    \nYou may be washing your hands more often than before but once you are in an office environment it is more important than ever to take care to reevaluate how long you are washing and how well. Remember that hand sanitizer is a good back up but shouldn\u2019t replace good handwashing practices.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n
  2. Keep Your Distance<\/strong>
    \n<\/b>6 feet is recommended but often people underestimate that distance. One trick is to imagine everyone holding and extending a yardstick or pool noodle. If your imaginary item could touch theirs, you\u2019re too close.<\/li>\n
  3. Sanitize Surfaces Often<\/strong>
    \nConsider wiping down your keyboard, mouse, desk, chair, and other touchpoints either at the start of your shift, at the end, or both. See the often missed touchpoints section below for more suggestions.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n
  4. Wear Protective Gear <\/strong>
    \n<\/span>Masks and face shields are known to help stop the spread of disease. Add this gear to your wardrobe when necessary, required, and at times when social distance is difficult. Gloves are another item of protective gear often overlooked.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    \"Face

    Whether face masks are mandatory or optional, when you wear one, let your eyes smile and your personality shine through.<\/p><\/div><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n


    \nActions Tips that Impact You<\/span><\/h2>\n

    It is important to remember to take care of yourself so you can then care for others. That care might take shape in planning your lunch in a way that minimizes your contact in a shared kitchen or breakroom to which restaurants offer delivery, pickup, or outside seating.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    There are mixed messages about whether masks protect you, others, or both. In the event they do provide some protection for you and you choose to wear and\/or one is required, consider if you\u2019ll be using disposable or washable masks. In either case, have enough on hand to swap out often.<\/span><\/p>\n

    As mentioned above, get a proper amount of sleep, spend some time outdoors, take breaks for some movement and physical activity, and of course, give attention to your mental and emotional health.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\"A<\/span><\/p>\n

    Protecting People in the Work Place<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Remember the good ol\u2019 days when rental offices used to have an open-door policy for tenants, vendors, and the public in general?\u00a0 Times have changed and adaptation is in play.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    If you are in a position to do so, whether a property manager, private landlord, rental management company, or some other real estate industry office, consider if the timing is right for modified office hours or a \u2018by appointment only\u2019 policy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Don\u2019t bring illness to the office. Daily, before even leaving your house, take your temperature and check-in honestly with how you are feeling. Staying home when you have any symptoms of illness is the best policy for everyone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    In relation to your policies and procedures, reevaluate how you handle inspections, lease signing, and rent collection. Offer virtual inspections, tenant portal<\/a> for online and cash network rent payments, and utilize electronic signatures to reduce face time. Less time in person means less opportunity to infect others.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    When office doors are open or you meet with tenants, coworkers, property owners, and vendors consider ways to protect them from exposure such as:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n