Berkeley’s Triumphant Streak Against the Rains

On World Facilities Management Day, REM TIMES takes a look at the commendable efforts of the Berkeley Services team on the day of the heavy downpour to ensure the safety of its clients as well as staff

April 16 is a day that the residents of Dubai will never forget. The UAE was caught in a storm like never before and a downpour of 1.5 years in 24 hours caught the city completely off guard. However, even as raindrops began to pelt the emirate non-stop and the roads started to accumulate water, there were several heroes that rose to the occasion and showed selfless acts of kindness to help individuals and communities stay safe and brave the hardships brought in by the sudden change in weather.

The facilities team of Berkeley Services was one such hero, whose efforts stood out that day as it cared not only for the well-being of their clients but was also proactively involved in ensuring the safety of its own staff. As the fateful day progressed with the torrential rains, the water levels began to rise in the organisation's Al Quoz and Jebel Ali staff accommodations with the ground floor living rooms and common area facilities getting affected. But the capable team of Berkeley, led by Denis Rust, Head of Staff Accommodations, did not lose its cool and got down to business immediately.

Alternative measures were taken for food supply by arranging the rental of a large vehicle that was able to navigate the flooded roads. Thanks to these arrangements, our employees were able to get warm meals delivered with the assistance of our transport division.

Denis Rust, Head of Staff Accommodations, Berkeley Services 

Sandbags were arranged by the accommodation management team to restrict the flow of water into the place. At the same time, pumps were put in place to drive the water outside the boundary wall and help reduce the water levels within. Despite disruptions in electricity, the accommodation maintenance team managed to restore power in a short span of time.

“Alternative measures were taken for food supply by arranging the rental of a large vehicle that was able to navigate the flooded roads. Thanks to these arrangements, our employees were able to get warm meals delivered with the assistance of our transport division,” recalls Rust, whose team also made alternative living arrangements for employees affected by the water levels on the ground floor. “Municipality blockages were cleared by the 18th and with the assistance of our cleaning division, the whole accommodation was cleaned after which, all the common areas and rooms underwent a disinfection process,” he adds.

Power of Unity

While residents were advised to stay home, the pandemic-like situation needed the FM heroes to be the frontline workers and take care of the state of affairs. It was a time when the entire Berkeley family came together as one.

Aishwarya Ranjith, Head of Marketing, Berkeley Services 

Even as the team battled against the wrath of nature, it managed to continue providing catering operations to all its colleagues. Explains Aishwarya Ranjith, Head of Marketing, “In spite of access to the limited facilities in their accommodation, our staff worked for the others before coming back and working for themselves. Our crisis management team collaborated closely with senior management to ensure the safety of all, whether it was facilitating the transportation of our clients' staff to various facilities or addressing emergency inquiries both within and beyond our client base.” She further adds, “While residents were advised to stay home, the pandemic-like situation needed the FM heroes to be the frontline workers and take care of the state of affairs. It was a time when the entire Berkeley family came together as one.”

Their dedication and hard work have played a vital role in swiftly restoring welfare facilities for our staff during this unexpected and demanding period. These efforts have greatly improved how quickly and efficiently we've been able to meet the needs of our workforce and actively support our clients.

Karl-Heinz Mair, CEO, Berkeley Services 

Although these unsung heroes often go unnoticed, their unwavering dedication and selfless actions significantly enhance the welfare of their communities, who can be rest assured that they are in safe hands. Karl-Heinz Mair, CEO, expresses his gratitude to every member of the accommodation maintenance mobile team. “Their dedication and hard work have played a vital role in swiftly restoring welfare facilities for our staff during this unexpected and demanding period. These efforts have greatly improved how quickly and efficiently we've been able to meet the needs of our workforce and actively support our clients.” .