“Bergman Cares” initiative includes safety-oriented property enhancements and social distancing policies
WOODBRIDGE, N.J., June 25, 2020 – As New Jersey businesses prepare to reopen their offices after shutdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bergman Real Estate Group has been preparing detailed Building Guidelines and comprehensive signage throughout its 23 NJ office buildings to welcome back its tenants safely, and with confidence.
The privately owned New Jersey real estate investment and management firm announces the launch of “Bergman Cares,” a comprehensive set of CDC recommended safety policies focused on building cleanliness, proper hygiene and social distancing in all of its properties.
“As New Jersey reopens, worker safety comes first,” says Michael Bergman, president and CEO of Bergman Real Estate Group. “Our new policies and building enhancements will give our tenant’s and their employees peace of mind as many return to their office for the first time since this crisis began.”
Through the Bergman Cares program, Bergman Real Estate Group is placing colorful, informative signage throughout its properties to remind tenants on best practices in staying healthy and to solicit their help in reducing the spread of coronavirus. ”Our creatively designed signage campaign called “Work & Thrive … Follow These Five” focuses on 5 key elements,” explains Bergman. “They are: Wash Hands Often, Wear Masks in Public Areas, Practice Social Distancing, Take the Stairs When Possible, and if Feeling Sick to Stay Home. The “Work and Thrive Follow These Five” signage has been installed throughout all the common areas of every building, including the main entrances, lobbies, elevators, stairways, restrooms, cafes, fitness centers, lounges and conference rooms and corridors.
In addition to the signage, Bergman Real Estate Group is implementing several building-wide enhancements to help reduce chances of COVID-19 transmission. These include:
1) HVAC improvements to allow higher rates of outside air ventilation for better inside air circulation and installing HVAC filters with higher MERV ratings;
2) upgrading restroom fixtures to provide hands-free toilets, faucets, soap and towel dispensers;
3) adding more hand sanitizer stations throughout the buildings in addition to the lobbies; and
4) increasing the daytime janitorial staff to clean the common areas and all high-touch surfaces more often throughout the day.
Bergman added that on-site amenities will “reopen gradually” according to guidelines set by the CDC, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and state and local authorities. “While we know tenants are eager to use our cafes, lounges, gyms, and other shared amenities, workplace safety will remain our first priority,” Bergman said.
Bergman Real Estate Group is requesting for each tenant to implement their own COVID-19 company policies in accordance with state and local guidelines. Tenants are requested to urge employees to follow CDC guidelines, including frequent handwashing, face mask use, and staying home when symptomatic. Tenants should consider measures to encourage social distancing, such as staggered shifts or physically separating employees in their office space. Additionally, tenants should limit deliveries and guest visits where possible.
Bergman Real Estate Group has been very proactive in communicating with its tenants from the early start of this pandemic. “Our entire staff has worked very hard over the past three months to help ensure the health and safety of our tenants” says Bergman. “By putting these detailed Building Guidelines and procedures in place, our tenants, and hopeful future tenants, will have comfort working in our buildings knowing their employees can go about their days safely as we all do our part to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.”
About Bergman Real Estate Group
Founded in 1988, Bergman Real Estate Group is a privately owned, full-service real estate investment and management company with more than 32 years of operating history in New Jersey and other select markets. The company’s fully integrated platform includes acquisition, ownership, asset and property management, leasing and construction supervision. Bergman, which has built its success on acquiring and successfully repositioning under-performing properties, currently manages 23 office buildings comprising 21 million square feet throughout New Jersey.
