• In a recent interview, Steven Barnett, floor captain at Anabas, tells us about his role and what it’s been like to work throughout the coronavirus pandemic…

Please tell us about your current role and responsibilities

I work at a site for a financial company in Maidenhead and, on a few occasions, I have worked in the company’s London office.

My main responsibilities as floor captain include health and safety site inspections, water temperature checks, emergency light checks, building fabric and air temperature and flow verifications. I assist the FM team with various other things that they need support on. I also look after the wellbeing of staff as part of my role with things such as DSE assessments.

I love the team I work with. I think we all work together well and support each other very well. During more challenging times, that friendliness and bit of banter with my colleagues really goes a long way and cheers me up.

• How has your role changed as a result of Covid-19? 

I think perhaps I have experienced more minor change than some people. I still carry out my daily, weekly and monthly checks as usual and continued to do so during lockdown. The thing that was most different for me was having to reorganise desk seating and communal seating arrangements in line with social distancing regulations and the specific requirements of the client. There was a lot of work involved in this – more than people would expect – and there were many adjustments needed along the way.

What’s it been like working on the front-line during the crisis, particularly in buildings which are empty/ at reduced occupancy? 

It’s been quite a different experience and I have actually quite enjoyed it. The first few months during lockdown were very quiet in terms of people in the building so it meant I could carry out my normal tasks with little to no disturbance and also not disturb anyone else. June became slightly busier as we were preparing the building for re-occupancy and being able to welcome our clients back safely.

• Do you think people’s perception of facilities management and your role will change as a result of the crisis? 

I personally do not think that it will. People don’t necessarily see all the inner workings that go into achieving seamless building management.

Throughout lockdown, I think we achieved what was expected of us during a difficult time, which we delivered to a high standard.

What are you most looking forward to about the post-pandemic world?

This question sounds very post-apocalyptic! I’m looking forward to the freedom to just get out and about and to be able to travel again. That’s something I’ve missed.

• What positive things do you think we can take into the post-pandemic world?

I think we have learnt not to take basic things for granted and that we should be more prepared for big change. It’s a real lesson that anything can happen. What was originally a localised Covid-19 outbreak in China quickly spread throughout the world and no-one was prepared for that. As such, we all had to quickly learn what to do and how to do it. Therefore, I think resilience and agility is key to being able to deal with sudden change and unforeseen circumstances in the best way we can.

• What has been the highlight during your time at Anabas?

I have enjoyed many training sessions and visiting the head office to meet everyone there. It’s good to feel part of the wider company. I also really enjoyed the floor captains away day that was held in May last year. This was a great way to meet more of the Anabas team that do a similar role to me. It was a great sense of community!

• What’s your favourite thing about working in FM?

I like that no two days are ever the same. Each day comes with its own challenges and surprises. Sometimes there can be difficulties that may cause some stresses but facing these obstacles and being able to conquer them makes me feel like I have achieved something. I can then go home feeling happy knowing I have made a difference for the client and my team.

Find out more information about the facilities management services we offer to corporate office providers here: https://www.anabas.co.uk/what-we-do/