HOUSTON—As companies debate when and how to open operations safely during COVID, there are numerous issues being considered in the process. One firm, Patrinely Group, was able to react quickly, while leveraging resources and best practices from offices throughout the United States.
As Patrinely Group implements new protocols to ensure the safety of clients and meet operational expectations, the firm anticipates how the shift in building operations will allow the continuation of key services from both the development and operational side of the business. Lauren Kelch, senior vice president of property management for Patrinely Group, recently discussed property management during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the firm is reopening buildings and adapting to the inevitable changes in tenant demands.
"The recurring theme for reopening is increased communication to convey empathy and partnership with tenants," Kelch tells GlobeSt.com. "These heightened changes are similar to 9/11."
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Taking into consideration the health and safety of all parties is the top priority, according to Kidder Mathews. Therefore, communication and participation among landlord, tenant and property management is critical for a successful re-entry to a building.
Some of Patrinely Group's practices include installing sensors where people sit on a daily basis rather than scrutinizing entire areas, Kelch points out. Also, the use of electrostatic cleaning is occurring throughout buildings, not just common areas.
"We are taking a hospitality focus, using distancing signage, alternating/rearranging furniture, incorporating concierge services to open doors for reduced touch points, encouraging one-way traffic, and using security personnel to push elevator buttons and enforce less crowding in elevators," Kelch tells GlobeSt.com. "These actions make everyone feel safe and comfortable in their work environments."
These operational processes allowed the team to anticipate and respond to COVID-19 in an efficient manner.
Governmental guidelines on workplace re-entry along with state and local orders are constantly changing. A Kidder Mathews property management guide presents creative ways to address tenant, employee, visitor and vendor-partner access.
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Lisa Brown
Lisa Brown is an editor for the south and west regions of GlobeSt.com. She has 25-plus years of real estate experience, with a regional PR role at Grubb & Ellis and a national communications position at MMI. Brown also spent 10 years as executive director at NAIOP San Francisco Bay Area chapter, where she led the organization to achieving its first national award honors and recognition on Capitol Hill. She has written extensively on commercial real estate topics and edited numerous pieces on the subject.
