The above is a famous quote from Steve Jobs to remind managers that they have an important role to play in enabling their staff to achieve optimal productivity but putting the right resources at their disposal.

As the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is starting to hit, the responsibility of providing a safe environment for clients and tenants in office buildings becomes more onerous for property managers who already have to manage their operations with very limited budgets. Even more a challenging balancing act when it is necessary to mobilize more staff, modify work routes, raise standards, and increase daily cleaning and disinfection frequencies.

To enable large-scale disinfection operations, several manufacturers are proposing innovative, high-performance, and effective technological solutions against COVID-19.   The market is literally flooded with all kinds of devices that are supposedly easy to use! With so many models and considering the additional investment it represents, the purchase of a new tool must be well thought out.

To satisfy your needs, the tool must first meet your conditions of use

In order to make the right choice of equipment, it is absolutely necessary to make a thorough evaluation of your specific needs, taking into account your environment, your clientele, the risks associated with your building and the skills of your employees.

Ask yourself certain questions:

• What is the size of the unit?
• If it is portable, what is its weight?
• How much does it weigh when the tank is full?
• Does it need to be powered, and if not, how long is its battery life?
• Is the unit compatible with all disinfectants?
• How should it be maintained or stored?

It is not enough to provide the most efficient tool; you must provide the appropriate tool that will allow your sanitation teams to be more efficient. Remember that the machine itself is not doing the disinfecting, but rather the person handling the machine! If your purchase is not followed by training your employees on proper operation, you will have made an expense rather than an investment.

Good communication remains an affordable yet valuable tool

Any change requires sustained support. Sound and steady communication is invaluable and is part of your toolbox if you are concerned with ensuring the changes are properly implemented.

Start by communicating the changes you intend to make. Communicate the reasons and motivations behind these decisions. Communicate the new standards and means that you will put at their disposal. Good communication is a bidirectional process. Be attentive to the comments and observations of your teams.

Finally communicate your gratitude to them! A well felt “thank you” is often the tool that will generate the most productivity from your team.

Gestion HB, a Canadian consulting firm who guides, supports, and advises their clients on ways to optimize the operational performance of their organizations in terms of building hygiene and sanitation. For more information, please email doliveira@gestionhb.com, visit https://www.gestionhb.com/ or call Derek Oliveira (514.316.6723).