Eppstein Uhen Architects: Free Address as an Unexpected Workplace Strategy in a Post COVID-19 World

Change is the only constant, so prepare to be nimble

Sharing a work setting seems counter-intuitive when thinking about spreading germs, after all this “Safer at Home” period has increased our digital sharing but frowns on physical sharing. When we finally return to work, the workplace precautions around spreading germs will be a priority. This will focus on cleanliness and physical distancing (also staying home if you are sick). 

At the same time, with companies forced to have employees work from home for extended periods of time, employees naturally get better and more comfortable at working this way. This could fundamentally shift the percentage of time we spend in the office. The inherent positives of working from home (less germs, flexible hours, easy commute, better focus time (for some), pets, neighborhood walks and so on), will continue to be a draw to work from home more often. That may mean more empty desks at the office. And with many companies feeling financial strain due to the current economy or the need to increase social distancing for those who do come in, a free address model (in part or in full) could help reduce costs or at the very least, allow more space between seats. It can also setup an organization to react nimbly in an ever-changing world.

Based on designing numerous Free Address workplaces and having personally worked in one, the three most common reasons I see for Free Address are to: Reduce Real Estate Costs, Provide Work Setting Choice and Flexibility to Change Quickly. And now, changes to the workplace due to prevent the spread of disease could become another reason. Here is how it could work.

Cleanliness: How often do you clean your current assigned desk? My guess is that most of us can’t even remember. With all the stuff on your desk (computer, keyboard, mouse, headset/phone, papers, mugs, photos, documents, snacks, etc.) it’s hard to clean. One of the perks of a Free Address seat is the clean desk policy, a standard rule for any Free Address workplace. At the end of your use the desk needs to be clear. One advantage of a clear desk: it’s quick and easy to sanitize. Nightly cleaning crews that previously only vacuumed, cleaned bathrooms and emptied trash can expand their services to include disinfecting desks and chairs. That way every morning, desks and surrounding areas will be disinfected and ready to use for whomever comes into the office.

Some clean considerations for Free Address desk sharing:

• Avoid sharing keyboards, mice and headsets by providing each employee his/her own. At the end of each day these items go with the employee to their assigned storage locker, or in their bag to work from home.
• Provide cleaning wipes and sprays for employees to use in addition to the nightly cleaning. Allowing employees to clean the spaces and items they want will ease their stress while making the space even cleaner.
• If one person uses a desk for any portion of the day it should be considered unavailable until the next morning until sanitized overnight. A simple sticker or post-it can indicate which desk was sanitized and when.

Physical Distancing: Individual work setting sizes have been steadily decreasing, bringing teams closer together, to increase communication and save on real estate costs. Now the focus has shifted to distancing employees to stop the spread of germs. With free address seats, we can ensure work settings are correctly spaced out versus with traditional assigned seating where employees that come in on any given day may have assigned seats that are too close. At the same time there might be an empty row or zone somewhere else in the office that could have been used. With Free Address seating, employees can choose to sit at safe distances. If current desk locations are too dense, every other desk can be set as available. As we transition back to the office, some companies might choose to have rotating days when certain teams or departments are in the office (to reduce overall in-office staff per day); Free Address seating can easily accommodate those shifts, while allowing each group to be correctly spaced out.

Being Nimble: No one knows exactly what the post COVID-19 workplace will look like with shifting government/industry guidelines, employees’ varying levels of anxiety and unknown changes to the business environment. What organizations can do is ensure they are setup to be nimble. The common phrase ‘Change is the only constant’ is even more important with such an unknown future. A Free Address workplace is formatted for change. An employee in a Free Address workplace is familiar with working in different settings. If an office needs to expand, reduce, move, spread out, change department locations, temporarily move for construction, etc., a Free Address staff can easily flow with those disruptions. This allow organizations to quickly shift for the betterment of its employees and business. 

When considering a Free Address workplace, the emphasis should always be on “Free.” For many, the freedom to choose your work setting was already a perk even before this COVID-19 era, whether that was for focus, team or collaborative work. Top companies realized that trusting and empowering their employees on how and where they work increases engagement and empowers employees to do their best work. I believe that the freedom to choose to work from home in some capacity will continue after workplaces open again. While Free Address work settings might initially seem counter to the spread of viruses, with the right protocols its benefits for easy cleaning and physical distancing can help companies be nimble with a returning workforce in an ever-changing world. A Free Address workplace could be an unexpected strategy.

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Workplace strategies are unique to each business and office culture. There is no one-size-fits all solution. That is why EUA asks questions of our clients, studies their environment and aligns with a company’s vision and goals before we agree on a workplace solution. Free Address is not the right answer for every client. We can help craft a strategy that will help each client specifically.  

Per Mar Security Services Ranked #22 in SDM’s 2020 Top Systems Integrators Report

Contact:
Cassondra Billingsley, Per Mar Security Services, 563-549-6635

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 16, 2020

Per Mar Security Services Ranked #22 in SDM’s 2020 Top Systems Integrators Report

DAVENPORT, Iowa – Per Mar Security Services, a leading provider of total security solutions for residential and commercial clients based in Davenport, IA, is ranked 22nd in SDM’s 2020 Top Systems Integrators Report. The top 5 market segments contributing to Per Mar’s 2019 security system integration revenue were retail, industrial, health, corporate, and education.

Chris Edwards, President of Per Mar’s Electronic Security Division, said, “We are honored that Per Mar made this list again this year. On the heels of being ranked in the Top 20 for alarm system companies, the fact that we also made the integrator list shows the innovation and flexibility the team has created to further our support and service to our customers.”

The SDM Top Systems Integrators Report ranks 100 companies by their revenue in 2019 from their security system integration revenue. Integration includes solutions such as design, project management, product, installation, programming, start-up, training and time-and-materials-based service sold directly to an end-user customer or through a tier of contractors. This includes revenue related to security, such as: access control, ID/badging, video surveillance/analytics, intrusion alarms, perimeter security, electronic gate entry, intercom/communications, fire protection, IT/networks, etc. It does not include recurring monthly revenue (RMR), as that is counted towards ranking on the SDM 100 (www.SDMmag.com/SDM100Report).

About Per Mar Security Services

Established in 1953, Per Mar Security Services is the largest, family-owned, full-service security company in the Midwest with more than 2,400 team members, operating in 23 branch locations. The company provides full-service security solutions for homes and businesses including security officer services, smart home automation, burglar and fire alarms, access control, security cameras, alarm monitoring, investigative services and background checks. For more information about Per Mar Security Services, please visit permarsecurity.com.

Broadjam: MAMA Cares Musician Relief Fund

Emergency funding for Madison-area performing musicians impacted by loss of income due to COVID-19

Musicians in the Madison area and across the country were some of the first and hardest hit as COVID-19 swept in with social distancing and caused the cancellations of thousands of gigs for area freelance artists. We all feel the anxiety caused by the difficult conditions and uncertainty about the gradual and ongoing move to a “new normal” in the current and post-pandemic era.  

As summer arrives and event and performance cancellations continue and escalate, the MAMA Cares COVID-19 Relief Fund has been created to provide temporary financial assistance to members in need. The initial fundraising goal for the fund is $250,000.

The Fund will provide monetary awards to self-employed and independent contractor musicians living in the Madison region who are losing work and wages due to COVID-19. Awards will be made based on applications received and resources available.  Applications will identify those most in need with preference to the unemployed. Eligibility for funds will follow the Madison Area Music Association eligibility rules.

We know that the need will be greater than the resources available, but this effort will demonstrate how much Madison values musicians’ well-being and looks forward to enjoying local music at our favorite bars, festivals, and outdoor venues as the pandemic eases. 

APPLY FOR FUNDS HERE: www.themamas.org

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 11:59 PM ON SATURDAY JULY 25, 2020.  We anticipate transferring funds to awardees by August 31, 2020. 

We need your help to serve as many musicians as possible. MAKE A DONATION HERE: 

• through PayPal: MAMACARES@THEMAMAS.ORG
• Send donations by mail:

MAMA Cares Musician Relief Fund

P.O. Box 8754

Madison, WI 53708

MAMA CARES MUSICIAN RELIEF FUND is an independent program under the fiscal sponsorship of the Madison Area Music Association, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization registered with the State of Wisconsin and the IRS. Partners in this effort include Broadjam, Inc., City of Madison Arts Commission, and Arts Wisconsin.  All donations are eligible for tax deduction.

Timeline

Now to June 28 – Build community partnerships

June 28 – Public announcement and start of run-up to Online Day of Giving

July 16-21 – Online Day of Giving Thursday, July 16

Mid-to-End of August – Funds Distribution 

Old National Opens New East Towne Branch, $500 Donation and $1,000 Give Away Planned

Madison, Wis. (July 8) – After more than a year of construction, Old National Bank (ONB) has opened their doors on a new bank branch at 4708 East Towne Boulevard in Madison. The newly renovated space is 3,250 square feet and has a new tandem-style drive-up.

The Banking Center utilizes a new concierge model of banking. In the concierge model, each representative in the branch assists the client with their needs from start to finish rather than moving from teller to specialist to loan officer. There is an ATM on-site and computers for individuals who prefer to be self-directed. The branch has an open concept design that is intended to be more interactive and provide the technology experiences consumers seek. The former bank branch was razed and a new one was built on the same site.

As part of the grand opening celebration, a $500 donation was made to the East Madison Community Center (EMCC) in honor of the new location. Branch staff regularly volunteer at the EMCC Food Pantry.

Read more

Basecamp Fitness to Open Second Madison Location in July

MADISON (July 8, 2020) – Basecamp Fitness, a fast-paced and efficient wellness concept designed to maximize every moment of your workout, will open its second franchise-owned location in Madison, WI. The studio is set to open at the end of July and is located at 309 Junction Road between Outback Steakhouse and Kesslers Diamonds. With locations in California and Minneapolis and a rapidly growing following, local entrepreneur Andy Gundlach is thrilled to bring a second Basecamp Fitness studio to Madison in order to meet demand for an efficient high intensity workout and fast paced interval training. 

Basecamp’s high-energy workout session is different by design. It improves strength while increasing cardio performance by alternating 60-second bursts of various strength-training exercises with 60-seconds on a stationary air bike that ‘fights back’ – the faster you pedal, the more resistance you feel – all in an intense 35-minute guided class. Professional athletes have been training this way for years, and Basecamp is excited to bring the benefits of this format directly to those who live and work in the Madison area. The fast and fun class is followed by an optional 10-minute core exercise session to conclude the workout.  

“It’s no secret that the Madison market is a very health focused community,” says Gundlach, President and Owner of ARGENT Companies, which includes 32 Anytime Fitness locations and soon to be two Basecamp Fitness locations. “Being a lifelong resident of the Madison area, I have seen the need for an efficient, high-intensity workout for people seeking fast-paced interval training. After taking my first Basecamp Fitness class, I was hooked. I think this is just the workout Madison is missing.”  

“We couldn’t have found a better owner and market for the first Basecamp franchise location,” explains Ben Camper, President of Basecamp Fitness. “Andy has a proven track record of running successful gyms, and the Madison market is one of the most fitness-focused in the country. Its residents are knowledgeable about fitness, value healthy lifestyles, and have full and busy lives. These characteristics indicate Basecamp will be a great workout solution for the people of Madison.”  

Basecamp is offering discounted founding membership rates that are locked in for perpetuity, and members that sign-up prior to the official open will get their first two weeks free. 

“In addition to offering a great workout, Basecamp’s focus on community is something we are eager to bring to Madison” explains Taylor Westrick, Area Manager of Basecamp Fitness Madison. “With regular ‘Pedal for a Cause’ events and member mixers, Basecamp builds strong hearts through the workout and then nurtures those strong hearts by creating a strong community.” Even prior to opening, the Junction Road location co-sponsored an event with its sister studio on Monroe Street to raise funds for Urban Triage, a Madison non-profit whose mission is to foster Black families’ self-sufficiency, community leadership, advocacy, and student success through parent engagement and cultural heritage. The Basecamp for Change event raised more than $1,000 for the non-profit organization.   

When asked about opening a new fitness studio during a global pandemic, Gundlach reassures “The health and safety of our members and employees is our top priority. Our team has been hard at work for weeks, rethinking the Basecamp experience from top to bottom in order to ensure we don’t just meet, but exceed CDC and local government guidelines – all while delivering the incredible workout our members have come to know and love.” 

The studio is increasing the amount of time between classes to allow additional time for sanitation, and members will have dedicated workout spaces with their own bikes and weight equipment. Check-in is touch free and in-house showers have been closed. Additionally, members and staff will be asked to refrain from high-fives and hugs and instead, air fives, waves, shout-outs, foot bumps and peace signs will be encouraged as gestures of comradery and support. 

Basecamp launched on the West Coast in 2013 and currently has five locations in California and two in Minnesota. The brand targets coveted locations to be in the heart of the action while still maintaining easy accessibility. Gundlach plans to open two additional Basecamp Fitness studios in 2021.  

For more information on Basecamp Fitness, please visit www.basecampfitness.com, call 608-819-6260, email danielle@afitwi.com or follow along on Facebook and Instagram at @basecamp.monroe.st.  

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About Basecamp Fitness 

Basecamp Fitness is a high-energy efficient workout, designed to help you discover a stronger, faster you. Each 35-minute workout focuses on interval training, rotating between an Air-bike and heart-pumping floor exercises. Supported by a trained instructor, members receive additional guidance via large instructional video screens. An optional 10 minutes at the end of each workout features a wide array of core exercises, which means participants benefit from intense cardio, strength training and abdominal training during every session. The first Basecamp Fitness studio opened in Burlingame, CA in 2013. Self Esteem Brands purchased Basecamp Fitness in 2018, and today, there are seven corporate locations – two in the San Francisco area, three near Los Angeles, one in Minneapolis and another in Edina, MN. Basecamp’s first franchised location opened on Monroe Street in Madison, WI in March 2020, and its second franchised location will open on Junction Road in Madison, WI in July of 2020.