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2022 has seen one of the hottest summers on record, with the Rocky Mountain region and southwest seeing the worst of the heat waves. However, across the U.S. businesses are feeling the heat, and their A/Cs are struggling to keep up. If you haven’t experienced HVAC issues already this summer, you’re likely to by August. And, for certain facilities, it can become bad enough to force emergency closures. High temperatures aren’t just uncomfortable; they can cause onsite accidents and injuries related to dehydration, exhaustion, and even heat stroke. While outdoor jobs like agriculture and construction are at higher risk for heat-related accidents and injuries, workers inside can also be at risk if the A/C isn’t running properly. OSHA recommends indoor temperatures stay between 68-76°F, because the risk of onsite injury raises by 3.5% for temperatures in the 80s, and increases by 7% when temperatures reach the 90s.  With this in mind, it’s essential for businesses to maintain their HVAC systems. Below are a few ways you can beat the heat and avoid emergency HVAC breakdowns this summer:

• Ensure proper airflow – If your air filters are clogged or there are furnishings blocking your air flow, your HVAC system will have a hard time keeping up. Removal of these barriers is an easy fix if your HVAC system is struggling to keep up.

• Consider zoned units – If your business has several large spaces to heat and cool, you may consider zoning them to control the temperature in each area. This way, spaces like the commercial kitchen can be kept at a cooler temperature to combat the indoor heat, while areas like your lobby can be maintained by a smaller unit.
• Check-in with your HVAC tech – A consultation and tune-up is never a bad idea in the middle of summer. This can help you catch issues sooner so your system doesn’t completely give out in the middle of the work day.

MaintenX can help you maintain your facility’s HVAC system with preventative care and reliable emergency service. To learn more about your summer HVAC options, contact one of our local offices today!

Environmental sustainability is the biggest trend in marketing today. According to a 2015 Nielson Study, approximately ⅔ of consumers globally are willing to pay more for a product that is marketed as sustainable. In the 15-20 age group for that year (today’s 22 to 27-year-olds), 72% would pay more for products marketed as sustainable. As this age bracket grows into the dominating consumer, it is no surprise that every company everywhere wants to be seen as eco-friendly. However, what are the implications of this marketing trend? While many businesses are genuinely making changes to support their environment and community through better business practices, others are scraping by with the bare minimum in order to use sustainability as a marketing buzzword. Is sustainability a true community goal, or is it simply a word we like to use in order to position our products better? Consumers have greater access to company information than ever before, so superficially sustainable companies are easy to expose. If you want your business to make a real impact on the environment and on customers, there are ways to promote sustainability the right way. Ways You Can Ethically Promote Sustainability

• Release Impact Reports – Impact reports aren’t just for nonprofits and certified B-Corps. Any business can release impact reports on their websites to promote their achievements throughout the year with honesty and integrity.

• Look for affordable ways to give back – While business operational changes and product designs are often the first places businesses look to become more sustainable, you can reach even greater impact by offering volunteer opportunities to employees, providing charitable donations, and otherwise supporting green initiatives in your community.

• Get certified – Consumers are wising up to brands that are only superficially sustainable. By getting certifications for your products and brand, you can prove to customers that you’re not all talk.

Sustainability can be a great marketing tool, as long as you use it honestly and with integrity. If you’re looking for ways to make your building more sustainable, talk to a MaintenX team or visit our Resource Center for more information on sustainable facility maintenance.

MaintenX has been in business for over 40 years, and works with hundreds of clients across the country in order to provide convenient and affordable facility maintenance service. We’ve been able to cultivate a reputation for excellence, not only because of our stellar contractor network but because of the guiding principles that shape the way we do business. And while we couldn’t do it without our incredible technicians and dispatch teams, there is one thing that weaves us together from the corporate level all the way to individual interactions with our customers. We have three priorities that guide every action on the MaintenX team, from top-down decisions to the maintenance service you receive on the job site:

• Safety – We would not be where we are without our talented technicians. Therefore, their safety is at the top of our list for operational success. By providing training, equipment, and safety resources, we prevent onsite accidents and ensure our technicians have long and successful careers.

• Communication – In an emergency, you need maintenance service that is fast and reliable. That is why we’ve invested in the best work-order management and dispatch systems in order to provide you with fast service when disaster strikes. This also facilitates communication for preventative maintenance to ensure you never miss a step.

• Integrity – When dealing with a maintenance emergency, you will likely feel pressured to do whatever your technician tells you. You don’t have time to vet or get a second opinion if the roof is leaking or the plumbing’s backed up. At MaintenX, you don’t need to worry. We individually vet contractors for their service and ensure they not only provide great service but a wealth of information so you can make informed decisions for your building.

MaintenX has the same priorities you do – to get you back on your feet with the best maintenance service around. If you’re looking for a maintenance service that can deliver, fast, reliable, and trustworthy service, contact your local MaintenX team to learn more.

Office spaces used to be designed for maximum occupancy. The era of the cubicle was a testament to this, and while it had its perks, there were many drawbacks that forced this office style out. The lack of personality, collaboration, and an often too-sterilized work environment made many companies question whether or not cramming their office spaces was the best idea for productivity. And, as America changes from a labor economy to an intellectual economy, designing the workplace for mental clarity and engagement is a top priority.

As office designs go from being practical to collaborative, occupancy recommendations may change. Before designing your office space, it’s important to take a look at several factors when designing individual desks and workspaces:

• What type of work is being done
• How often collaboration is necessary or encouraged on the job
• The average customer-to-employee ratio
• Whether employees value open or closed spaces for working; or both
• How many employees work partially from home or in the field

Not all office spaces are built the same, and many are changing drastically in wake of COVID-19. In some companies, less than half of employees are returning to traditional office roles, while others are taking partial work-from-home options. This will likely lead to another social restructuring to blend the best of both worlds. More homes will feature modern office spaces, while more businesses will incorporate the comforts of home in order to retain happy employees.

The ideal occupancy of your building will ultimately depend on your goals, industry, business structure, and employee needs. However, no matter how many employees you have onsite, you must ensure they are provided the best office conditions possible.

To learn more about ways MaintenX can help you renovate your office space for the changing corporate environment, visit our Resource Center.

Workplace values are changing, and for the better. In many of today’s top corporations, productivity is being replaced with engagement as the primary driver for employee policies. Companies are wising up to the idea that happiness can translate to productivity, and that they don’t have to drive with force in order to get things done. Employees who are happy at work are noticeably different from employees who simply show up in order to earn a paycheck. While a certain salary may be able to get people to work longer hours or apply to jobs they aren’t otherwise interested in, it can’t make them committed to a company’s mission or steer them away when a more lucrative opportunity comes along. Plus, studies show that happy employees are 12% more productive than those who are not. In many cases, a higher salary is not a motivator once a specific economic threshold is met. Once people’s basic needs and lifestyle are met, money can’t make them happier. However, creating a workplace where work-life balance is valued, people’s talents are celebrated, and employees can see the difference they’re making can help create a loyal staff. Offering these intangible benefits can motivate employees to work harder and stay at the company longer. If you want to weave happiness into your company culture, there are several ways you can change your building’s infrastructure and policies:

• Offer comfort – Office spaces are often designed for aesthetics rather than comfort, which makes employees miserable. There is no reason you need an office to look a certain way if it doesn’t serve the person in the chair. Make comfort a priority when choosing furnishings and general building design.

• Create inviting outdoor spaces – Being trapped in a sterile, artificial office all day is the fear of many modern employees. They want to feel not only mentally engaged but physically cared for as well. Providing places outside where employees can walk, get fresh air, and enjoy a little sunshine can help them feel less trapped and isolated at work.

• Support work-life balance suited to individual needs – Culture is adapting to all types of lifestyles and all types of work schedules, from the part-timer to the workaholic. By allowing people to choose the rok-life balance they want through part-time, work-from-home, and accommodating vacation options, you can engage employees at the stage in life they’re currently experiencing.

We spend a third of our lives at work – making the office a place where that time can be enjoyed is the key to employee retention and productivity over the long haul. To learn more about ways you can improve your facility for employee health and happiness, visit our Resource Center.

The B-Corp standard is one of the highest standards of ethics in the corporate world. This certification, which is gained through several months or even years of certification, is attained by businesses dedicated to making an environmental and social impact through their operational practices. The B-Corp standard was founded as a motivator for businesses to structure themselves in a way that provides environmental, social, and health benefits to the greater community, and receive recognition for their hard work. However, it takes hard work to reach these goals, part of which is incorporated into a business’ building design. If you are currently in the process of B-Corp certification and want to ensure your building helps you meet the standards, there are several ways you can improve your building’s energy structure: Solar energy Solar is an obvious answer for many commercial facilities, especially those with flat roofing systems. However, investing in solar can be tricky, even with the right incentives and government rebates available to your business. If you can’t install solar directly, consider purchasing it indirectly through credit programs or other energy options through the state. HVAC, lighting, and water upgrades These three elements consume most of the energy in your building, accounting for over half of your facility’s carbon consumption in many cases. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint in major ways, you need to rethink the way your facility uses its resources. HVAC, lighting, and water systems can be built for maximum energy efficiency while still fitting modern needs. Talk to your MaintenX team about upgrades to see where you can cut carbon in major ways. Energy offsets If you live in an area that does not provide energy-efficient options, you may consider purchasing carbon offsets in order to meet B-Corp standards. In smaller cities and rural areas of America, it can be difficult to access the technologies necessary for energy efficiency. However, by purchasing carbon offsets (which in many cases can be tax writeoffs), you are still playing your part while making the most of the resources available in your community. MaintenX can help you build a better business with eco-friendly installments and maintenance services for modern energy-efficient appliances. To learn more about how we can help your business become more energy-efficient and eco-conscious, visit our Resource Center.

In this previous article, we discussed the WELL building standard as it relates to business sustainability in both human and environmental impacts. The WELL Building model takes a holistic approach, looking at the way design can impact not only our carbon footprint, but the ways in which humans can work and thrive in the built environment. By using the WELL standard, businesses, architects, and real estate developers can create healthier workplaces designed for economic and social wellbeing.

However, understanding the WELL Building Standard and putting it into practice are two different disciplines. Below are just a few ways you can more easily incorporate WELL Building standards into your design and facility maintenance approach:

HVAC upgrades

First on the list of the WELL Building Standard is indoor air quality, as it is a top contributor to employee health in the workplace. Upgrading your HVAC system to efficiently cool and ventilate can prevent sick building syndrome while improving overall energy efficiency.

Modern water treatment systems

Wastewater is a primary contributor to commercial environmental impact as well as poor working conditions in many industries. By investing in clean water, your business contributes to the betterment of public health and the environment at large. Ask MaintenX about backflow testing and other water treatment services for your facility.

Modern kitchen design

It can be very difficult for your employees to eat healthily, especially if you do not have an onsite kitchen. Providing a small space for cooking as well as healthy and convenient onsite options can ensure you are meeting nutrition requirements for the WELL Building standard.

LED lighting 

Providing the right lighting to promote energy efficiency as well as employee comfort and productivity is essential for the WELL Building standard. Upgrading to LEDs not only offers adjustable and less harsh lighting for employees but can lower energy consumption tremendously when retrofitted throughout your facility.

Hybrid indoor and outdoor working

Providing a fitness center is not applicable for all businesses, but offering outdoor areas for walking and relaxing during or after the work day can promote mental clarity and give employees a break from their desk chairs.

Soundproofing

Modern office spaces can be loud and crowded, which can distract employees who are especially sensitive to loud noises or who prefer to work alone. Soundproofing and upgrading facility systems for noise reduction can promote a more focused and comfortable work environment for all.

Modern ergonomic furniture 

As more employees are adjusting to work-from-home options, they want the modern office space to reflect the chase level of comfort. Ergonomic furniture that is designed with comfort and relaxation in mind can help make employees feel happier at work and therefore more engaged within the office setting.

MaintenX can help you redesign your office space with appliance upgrades and design features that promote health and wellbeing in and outside the facility. For more information on modern sustainable building design, visit our Resource Center.

The 2020s are all about sustainability in commercial architectural design. As businesses prioritize environmental conscientiousness in their business plans, the real estate industry is following suit by providing building solutions to reduce energy consumption, waste, and harmful environmental impacts caused by new construction. One way commercial buildings are choosing to stand out in the market is by following the new WELL Building Standard. The WELL Building Standard is an evidence-based measurement for building health and human impact that goes beyond physical structure or energy-efficiency. It runs in tandem with certifications such as the LEED Green Building Rating System and Living Building Challenge, offering another way for commercial buildings to separate themselves for their commitment to sustainability. The WELL Building Certification is provided by Green Building Certification, Inc. and incorporates seven standards for measurement:

• Air: Optimize and achieve indoor air quality. Strategies include removal of airborne contaminants, prevention and purification.

• Water: Optimize water quality while promoting accessibility. Strategies include removal of contaminants through filtration and treatment, and strategic placement.

• Nourishment: Encourage healthy eating habits by providing occupants with healthier food choices, behavioral cues, and knowledge about nutrient quality.

• Light: Minimize disruption to the body’s circadian rhythm. Requirements for window performance and design, light output and lighting controls, and task-appropriate illumination levels are included to improve energy, mood and productivity.

• Fitness: Utilize building design technologies and knowledge-based strategies to encourage physical activity. Requirements are designed to provide numerous opportunities for activity and exertion, enabling occupants to accommodate fitness regimens within their daily schedule.

• Comfort: Create an indoor environment that is distraction-free, productive, and soothing. Solutions include design standards and recommendations, thermal and acoustic controllability, and policy implementation covering acoustic and thermal parameters that are known sources of discomfort.

• Mind: Support mental and emotional health, providing the occupant with regular feedback and knowledge about their environment through design elements, relaxation spaces, and state-of-the-art technology.

These standards go well beyond environmental conscientiousness and delve into the core of building environments that nourish the human quality of life and productivity. By following these standards you can not only reduce environmental waste but care for employees and guests in ways that impact the overall quality of life and long-term health. These standards are becoming common practice and really make a difference in tenant satisfaction. Sustainability is not just a question of natural resources – it’s one of human resources and wellbeing as well. If you want to move into the future and create a WELL commercial space, contact MaintenX to learn about maintenance upgrades available to your facility today.

As a facility manager or commercial property owner, your primary goal is to secure a reliable, profitable tenant for your lease year-over-year. This tenant will secure a positive cash flow for you, and make your investment (or managed property) a hands-off endeavor. And while most tenants want as much control over their leased property as possible, there are some services they still rely on you to provide for the building. Most facilities have a Fully Repairing and Insuring (FRI) Lease, which puts the responsibility for repairs on the tenant. This essentially gives tenants the power to choose contractors for repairs and renovations and guarantees the building will be returned to its original condition upon termination of the lease. However, property owners are still responsible for these three elements:

• Electrical maintenance – The property owner has legal responsibility for maintaining electrical safety standards as set by the Electrical Safety Council. This includes any necessary repairs as well as full testing on the building carried out every five years.

• Communal area maintenance in multi-tenant buildings – If the building is let to multiple tenants (such as in a mall or shopping complex), shared areas such as parking lots, sidewalks, and restrooms are typically maintained by the property owner.

• Landlord-owned fixtures – Any fixture owned and installed by the landlord must be maintained and safe to use. While tenants may perform maintenance on these fixtures if they choose, many landlords reserve this right to ensure they can choose the contractors and upgrades performed on permanent facility elements.

MaintenX can help you maintain your property with preventative care and affordable repair services for whatever you and your tenants need. To learn more about landlord responsibilities in commercial leases, visit our Resource Center.

Proper facility maintenance isn’t just important for operational buildings. It is arguably even more important when putting a property up for lease, as prospective tenants have a much more critical eye than current ones. If the bones of the building are not up to par, you will have a hard time attracting your ideal renters regardless of what your facility has to offer.

If you have recently purchased or are preparing a commercial property for showing, tenants will be on the lookout for these five facility qualities:

Modern interior design

When prospective tenants walk into your building for the first time, the interior design will strike them first. If you haven’t updated to meet modern standards, you will disappoint on the first impression almost every time. Is the flooring modern and stylish? Is the lighting bright and suitable for the space? If not, make these cosmetic changes first before looking for a renter.

High-performance HVAC system

In Florida, where MaintenX is headquartered, the single most important appliance for any building is its HVAC system. An HVAC unit that can’t keep up with the weather will immediately turn off prospective tenants, especially if they operate something like a commercial kitchen that already experiences high temperatures and increased ventilation demands.

Floor adaptability

Adaptive facilities are a great investment because they can be customized to tenants’ needs rather than marketed to a smaller pool of renters. Tenants prefer commercial spaces with open floor plans, adaptive layouts, and accommodating leases for their needs.

Sustainable appliances

Sustainability is a big selling point in modern commercial real estate. Not only is it an important part of many brands’ missions, but sustainable buildings can help tenants lower monthly expenses. Sustainable upgrades to HVAC, electrical, roofing, and plumbing systems can help set your facility apart from conventional buildings with similar features in your area.

Maintenance costs

Renters want to know that they won’t be spending a fortune renovating during their lease. By providing preventative maintenance service, you are taking initiative and ensuring that maintenance costs won’t be high or unpredictable for your tenants.

MaintenX can help you build a sustainable, low-cost commercial facility through preventative repair and modern upgrades to your building. To learn more about our maintenance and renovation services, contact your local MaintenX team today.