The global crisis not only impacts the Philippine economy but also affects how corporations operate. Due to the inability of employees to go to work or work productively from home, companies must consider all facets of business operations and craft business continuity plans (BCPs) beyond the corners of the office.
ҬMyTown, the co-living brand under Philippines Urban Living Solutions, has held its doors open for young professionals and corporations alike as the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) is extended, thereby helping companies minimize the operational impact on their business amid the ECQ.
“¨“As a co-living brand that values the welfare of our corporate and individual clients, MyTown continues to serve safely and responsibly during the crisis,” says Jelmer Ikink, PULS group director.
“¨“What has become the go-to staff housing space during regular business operations has now also proven to be a crucial part of business continuity plans for our clients during the coronavirus crisis,” Ikink added.
ҬThe knee-jerk response to co-living during the pandemic might be that it also has risks as tenants live in close quarters. However, co-living, in fact, reduces the number of people one is in contact with since tenants can walk to work and avoid the daily inconvenience of relying on cramped public utility vehicles.
ҬWhile it is true that coronavirus can be contracted in a matter of seconds, those living near work and with a fixed group of roommates results in reduced exposure to unknown surfaces and people.
“¨The typical young professionals’ commute involves hours of sitting in traffic and touching numerous surfaces and bodies. By comparison, co-living spaces lower risk of contraction.
ҬMoreover, MyTown has implemented stringent safety controls, including temperature checks upon entry, digital health declaration forms, obligatory protective gears for tenants and staff, regular building and unit disinfection with antiviral and alcohol-based products and the implementation of stringent social distancing rules.
ҬInside the living quarters, MyTown promotes the use of the bed blinds, implemented booking of disinfecting services through its App, and educates tenants about protecting themselves inside and outside the unit.
ҬSupply gap
ҬIn 2019, Colliers showed that during normal times, 45 percent of young professionals in Metro Manila would settle living in co-living units. This translates to demand for millions of beds while supply remains at only a fraction of that. A crisis like this emphasizes the importance that should be placed on staff housing. Employee accommodation, on the other hand, has proven critical to ensure continued business operations.
ҬTo narrow the demand-supply gap and help prepare companies for future crises, MyTown commits itself to bring co-living to greater heights, continuing its fast-paced growth with the construction of two additional buildings.
“¨“Since day one, we’ve aimed to make co-living the future of urban living. MyTown Los Angeles, one of our latest projects, is a 'zero commute' co-living space that allows corporations and young professionals to live, work, eat and play in the same ecosystem,” Ikink said. “This makes it fun and efficient during normal days, and vital for business continuity during times of crisis.”
About MyTown
ҬMyTown is the pioneer of co-living for young professionals in the Philippines, catering to the BGC and Makati central business districts. The brand boasts world-class accommodations with impeccable amenities to help young professionals achieve work-life balance while providing customized solutions to corporate clients for staff housing. Visit www.mytown.ph for more information.