Virtual event: A conversation on workplace safety and reopening the economy

On Thursday, May 14, Axios Co-founder Mike Allen hosted a conversation on the future of workplace safety with RXR Realty CEO Scott Rechler and Caryn Seidman-Becker, the CEO of biometric identity company CLEAR.

Rechler discussed how to utilize digital and physical tools to give people a sense of security as they return to office buildings, emphasizing the need for screenings and contactless ways to get into their offices.

• On what the journey from lobby to office will be in his buildings: "The concept is to make it a touchless experience ... Most elevators will have an automated dispatch show. It would only allow a certain number of people per elevator to get on the elevator, and would know which floor you're going to. There will also be a counter at the door to ensure that the people that are there are maintaining compliance with the capacity limitations that are being set."

Seidman-Becker highlighted how the security and screening needs following COVID-19 are similar to those following the 9/11 attacks. Focusing on the importance of minimizing risk and increasing customer confidence, she discussed biometric and thermal scanning, as well as the development of a new CLEAR app.

• "I think what you are going to see, not only in travel, which was deeply impacted by 9/11 ... is the need for this multilayered approach using innovation and technology like biometrics."

In a View from the Top segment, Axios CEO & Co-founder Jim VandeHei was joined by CTO of Global Plasma Solutions Charlie Waddell to discuss how people are prioritizing the maintenance of indoor air quality in building design.

• "In the past, buildings were designed for comfort, cooling and heating. And so they weren't designed necessarily for indoor air quality or to protect the occupants in the building ... It's now shifting to being more about air quality in the building and how it can address these pathogens in the space and help people feel safer being in the buildings."

Thank you Global Plasma Solutions for sponsoring this event.