Page 16 - NY Cooperator October 2020

16 THE COOPERATOR — OCTOBER 2020 COOPERATOR.COM 212-683-6855 x7 info@dermerrealestate.com www.dermerrealestate.com Managing our clients for an average of 18 Years Why are our clients with us so long? One Reason - Financial Performance Operating Surplus Substantial Reserves     Balanced Budgets Common Area Upgrades   Limited Staff Turnover Much More  But don’t ask us, ask our clients. We will put you in touch with the Board Members we have served for the past 28 years. property workers have needed to ping-pong tations for staff, it begs the question: Along between roles, be flexible with their shifts, with verbally expressing their thanks, what and fill in for others at the drop of a hat. Jani- tors used to mopping and dusting now must buildings and communities do to show ap- learn how to use foggers and CDC-approved preciation and support for their property’s disinfectants. A doorman who normally just workers? Our experts gave us some action- signs visitors in and directs them to the ele- vator is now policing mask-wearing and tak- ing temperatures. When The Palace had to be aware of protocols and follow them,” says shut down the condo’s valet service after two González of 32BJ when we spoke again for employees tested positive for COVID-19, the this article. It seems simple enough, but as remaining workers were put into different we all know, people are not always respectful building roles (after requisite quarantining of rules, limits—even visible barriers. When and negative test results); Arnold remembers you see the tape around the doorperson or with a chuckle how one valet transitioned to security desk, keep that six foot distance— the role of pool security after that amenity and wear your mask in all common areas reopened to limited resident-only use: “On of your building or community at all times. day one, he was in his long black pants, black Don’t expose your building staffers to un- button-down, and black shoes \\\[that he wore necessary risk—and don’t put them in the as a valet\\\]. On day two, he had on khakis, a position of having to remind you of rules white polo, and sneakers. … By day five, he that should be second nature by now. was in a t-shirt, casual shorts, and flip-flops.” So adapting to new roles can be a matter of the well-being of staff is among the gover- wardrobe adjust- ment, too. In other cases, new responsibili- ties emerge in less quantifiable—and less lighthearted— ways. Jim Stoller, president and CEO of property management firm The Building Group (TBG) in Chicago, speaks of the effects that prolonged isolation, staff to make sure that residents are comply- uncertainty, and fear can have on a residen- tial population. “We’ve had some residents,” in turn helps them feel more comfortable he says, “who have been somewhat abusive about their own safety on the job. to the staff, and it’s quite unfortunate. You know, people who’ve been inside their con- dominium or co-op for weeks or sometimes off is a good way to support their well-be- longer \\\[can become\\\] very needy in ways that ing, both in the physical sense as well as the building management is not really licensed mental and emotional. Giving workers ex- to address. In many cases they were not able tra PTO (if their paid time off is not stipu- to receive therapy or get the help that they lated by a union contract) not only promotes needed, so unfortunately the building staffs goodwill—it also goes a long way toward al- have had to deal with these issues.” Stoller also mentions the fear and un- certainty surrounding the escalating social unrest in his city and elsewhere, which can workers is to pressure the federal govern- have broader implications for those who are ment to give them hazard pay for the essen- not isolated in their homes. “In many cases,” tial work they have been performing over he says, “\\\[staff members\\\] are coming across the last half a year. As Louis deJesus, a 32BJ the city to get to work—and in many cases union member who has worked as a door- they’re taking public transportation to get to man in a building in Manhattan’s Upper their jobs. They’re traveling at night and on West Side for the last 25 years, said in a press weekends, and we have to ensure their safety release on the subject: “The best ‘thank you’ and well-being also. It has created a stressful is to be paid for your essential work and have environment for the people who have been job protection.” working—and, in so many cases, been do- ing an amazing job. These people have really for the planet—try to consolidate all those stepped up and have really showed that they Amazon orders! care a great deal about the buildings they work at.” Showing Support With all of these added responsibilities, heightened health and safety concerns, in- creased resident presence, and raised expec- can the boards and residents of multifamily able recommendations: • “One thing residents can do is to just • Arnold stresses that responsibility for nance duties of residential boards, and says that clear, unambiguous messaging— like posting policies in common ar- eas and insti- tuting fines for disregarding them—help to empower ing with health and safety protocols, which • Managers DiFlaminies and Stoller both indicate that encouraging staff to take time laying health concerns and promoting stabil- ity and security in the workforce. An additional way to support property And finally, for your building staff and n Darcey Gerstein is Associate Editor and a Staff Writer for The Cooperator. SUPPORTING... continued from page 15 “One thing residents can do is to just be aware of protocols and follow them.” —Carolina González