Business and building owners are watching Washington D.C. and pushing for a proposedHealthy and Safe Workplace Tax Creditto help offset the costs of reopening amid COVID-19.
“It’s a tax credit toward all the things you would need to open offices safely,” explains John Nothdurft with ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association. Some examples:
- Cleaning, disinfecting, and air filtration solutions
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Physical distancing and safety technologies, plexiglass, and other modifications
- Employee training and certification.
According to the National Safety Council, employers have spent an average of $5,208 per employee on various workplace safety practices since the pandemic began. Businesses and nonprofits already struggling financially should not have to decide between safety and going out of business.
The proposal creates a $25,000 tax credit per business location, capped at $250,000. It covers items like cleaning, PPE (personal protective equipment), and upgraded social distancing equipment such as plexiglass partitions. You can learn more here.
The Biden administration has ordered emergency OSHA standards for reopening workplaces, to protect workers and customers from COVID. “The tax credit will help small businesses afford to comply,” Nothdurft said. Supporters hope it will be included in the next relief package.
Meanwhile, business leaders are eager to get people back into their work spaces.A national COVID-19 impact study by BOMA International shows that 74% of office space decision-makers say that in-person offices are vital to their businesses, long-term growth, and future success.
Other highlights from the BOMA study:
- 65% of respondents continue to see significant value in on-site business operations,particularly as they relate to the three Cs: collaboration, coaching and culture
- While a strong majority see office space as vital, 61% report they will reassess space needs.
- 78% approve of the response their current property owner or operator has implemented during COVID-19
- 77% are confident they understand how to reduce and manage risk in their physical office.
- 47% of all tenants say their landlord’s coronavirus response exclusively has made them more likely to renew, the result of proactive communications and a renewed focus on safety and security.
“While COVID-19 continues to be a large, disruptive force across the commercial real estate industry and its tenancy, the findings demonstrate the perceived value of office environments as a key ingredient for business success remains strong,” said Henry H. Chamberlain, APR, FASAE, CAE, president and COO of BOMA International.
AffinEco Managing Partner Paul Senecal said, “Making people feel comfortable going places is the best way for the economy to get back to something that resembles normal, investing in cleaning and disinfection is the best way to make people feel comfortable. This tax credit will encourage more business to invest in cleaning and disinfection.”
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