For Hands That Do
Paul Jakeway explains why workplaces should think beyond the provision of handwashing opportunities – and implement a structured skin care programme that keeps the...
Read Full ArticleAlmost every day there seems to be a new research report, opinion piece or white paper discussing how employee happiness, wellbeing and agile working contribute to productive and effective working environments, writes Paul Crilly.
It is reassuring that the property and facilities sectors are now focusing on the factors that directly affect employees, as people are the largest cost and biggest contributor to success for most companies.
When our customer Landsec relocated their headquarters from the Strand to Victoria, there was no question that they would set themselves some rigorous objectives in the delivery of a healthy and satisfying environment. The relocation provided Landsec with the opportunity to adopt a new workplace strategy aimed at bringing together different areas of the business.
Research
Landsec decided on an approach grounded in the latest research and thinking, to adopt a new workplace strategy aimed at increasing communication, collaboration, employee wellbeing and sustainability.
To achieve this, the BREEAM and International WELL Building Institute frameworks were adopted and the project led to the first dual certified workplace in the world to reach BREEAM Outstanding and WELL Certified SilverTM.
Cleaning and waste services
Facilities services often receive little mention in achieving leading working environments but cleaning and waste services have played an important part in achieving these standards.
NJC recognised that not only would processes and procedures have to change but our overall approach to resourcing the project would need to be different. We realised that the manner in which we briefed our on-site staff and the training we provided was critical to maintaining the standards.
Training
Our cleaning training has been tailored to the needs and protocols of the frameworks, focusing on cleaning procedures, safety and recording of information in appropriate cleaning logs. Waste has been reduced, with all our team fully trained in waste separation and recycling.
Hygiene
NJC has worked with the Landsec team to introduce additional cleaning protocols, including specific cleaning of all high touch surfaces (including light switches and door handles) to ensure high levels of hygiene, contributing to employee health.
Chemical avoidance
Eco-labelled products have been adopted to avoid chemicals which may adversely affect indoor air quality and cause eye, nose or throat irritation, while fragrance free soap is available at all hand-wash locations.
Leesman
But we do not have to take Landsec’s word on the new holistic approach achieving a better working environment. The changes have had a significant impact with a recent Leesman survey of the Landsec headquarters finding that 88% of employees felt that the new office enables them to work productively, compared to a global average of 67%. In addition, they are the second and largest, UK workspace to be WELL CertifiedTM.
With health, wellbeing and productivity rightly on the agenda of most companies today, we look forward to using our expertise and knowledge to partner and support other organisations on their journey.
Picture: Landsec headquarters, Victoria, London
Paul Crilly is Managing Director of NJC
Article written by Paul Crilly | Published 15 December 2017
Paul Jakeway explains why workplaces should think beyond the provision of handwashing opportunities – and implement a structured skin care programme that keeps the...
Read Full ArticleThe Canadian owned Amor has issued a warning that many cleaning professionals now select ‘cleaner-disinfectants’ when performing cleaning tasks tackling...
Read Full ArticleWith the launch of World Toilet Day, SCA which owns well known hygiene brands like Bodyform, TENA, Plenty, Velvet, Cushelle and Tork, has offered what it believes is an...
Read Full ArticleRecent US studies have found that the indoor air quality in offices can be two to five times worse than the air outside. The findings come from work led by Joseph...
Read Full ArticleHand hygiene systems can make a huge difference in the workplace by reducing the chances of staff getting sick in the first place argues Mike Sullivan, MD of GoJo...
Read Full ArticleTwo in five office workers have used another part of their body to exit the toilets at work to avoid getting germs from colleagues on their hands. The findings are to...
Read Full ArticleOffices that cut corners on cleaning, or allow employees to work in messy, disorganised surroundings can be ‘up to 72% less productive’ than clean,...
Read Full ArticleThe Fore Partnership has gotten the green light for a transformational low-carbon workspace next to the iconic Tower Bridge that will be 100% electric and zero carbon in...
Read Full ArticleFeedback on new business ideas should be sought outside company walls, research from King’s Business School and the University of Amsterdam has found, but...
Read Full ArticleLuis De Souza asks - and answers - the question what will help people work more flexibly in 2018? In a recent survey of office workers, 33% said they wanted to be more...
Read Full Article