COVID-19 has disrupted how construction companies conduct business
The COVID-19 global pandemic has turned our world upside down over the past few weeks. We continue to see rapid changes with additional restrictions being announced every day, if not every hour. But even with everything going on in the world, business must go on.
With all this craziness, many companies have instituted optional or mandatory work-from-home policies. So, how can preconstruction team members continue to be productive and stay connected to each other while working remotely?
Business as (Un)usual
When you’re accustomed to going into an office each day, seeing coworkers in person, and collaborating on projects together, working remotely can be challenging. But as the phrase goes, it’s still “Business as Usual”. Construction bids still need to get submitted. Takeoffs and estimates still need to get done. No one wants business to suffer because the preconstruction team is working differently. What can you do to minimize disruptions?
Here are a few things successful managers can do to make sure team members stay productive:
Be Productive & Stay Connected While Working Remotely
Preconstruction teams are typically some of the most equipped to be able to effectively work remotely. Since they are likely working with digital blueprints, travel to the jobsite isn’t imperative and there are a lot of tools and software available that help enable teams working remotely to continue to get their jobs done. Here are a few to consider for your team:
Don’t forget to have a little fun!
We often spend more time with our coworkers than we do with our spouse, children and friends. In fact, our coworkers often become some of our closest friends. When we see them in the office, we ask them about their weekend, how their child’s soccer game went, and share with them the tv shows and movies we’re watching. This doesn’t have to stop just because you’re not seeing your coworkers in person!
Working from home can be isolating and connecting (even virtually) is good for our personal wellbeing. Happy coworkers are also good for business so it’s important to continue to connect with each other on a personal level.
Instant messaging tools like Slack and Skype make it easy to maintain these personal connections. Here are a few ideas to keep your team in good spirits and feeling connected:
Stay Calm & Carry On
COVID-19 has already created disruptions for the construction industry and will undoubtedly create more challenges in the days, weeks and months to come, but using the strategies and tools listed above can help keep everyone on track and minimize impact to your business.
In these challenging times both personally and professionally, it’s important to support each other. Coworkers with children may also be helping with homework, making lunches, and trying to keep the kids entertained. Others may need to make a quick run to the store when they realize they’re desperately low on toilet paper. The point is that life can sometimes get in the way of work and that’s ok as long as the work gets done.
Be compassionate and understanding. Others may be dealing with sick family members or simply be stressed out by the day’s news. Your preconstruction team can come out of this crisis stronger by working together and supporting each other.
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