Each year begins with a feeling of hope and optimism, an opportunity for us all to get a fresh start. To many this is a time to consider losing weight or exercising more. But, with 2020 just around the corner, consider adding a professional resolution to your list this year.

You probably already set goals at work, but goals and resolutions are not the same thing. Resolutions are more qualitative than quantitative, more of a mindset than meeting a specific target. They should feel more personal than a goal.

Here are some ideas for resolutions in the workplace:

• I will make work/life balance a priority this year, setting aside time for myself every day
• I will take breaks
• I will put my smartphone away while working to avoid distraction
• I will improve my communication with coworkers
• I will use my downtime to educate myself on something new
• I will speak up and make my voice heard in meetings
• I will make an effort to celebrate team successes regularly
• I will eat healthier at work

Resolutions don’t need to be intimidating, just pick a realistic one that you believe in. Don’t think of it as something you will need to do forever. You are simply resolving to make a minor change right now, which may or may not turn into a long-term habit…only time will tell.

The holidays can be exhausting. But, getting some time to rest and relax during the season is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Here are some ideas of how you can recharge, while still celebrating, from Entrepreneur magazine.

1. SOLITUDE: Enjoy your time alone. Begin each morning by calmly clearing your mind and mentally preparing yourself for the day ahead.
2. BREATH: It’s likely a family member will say or do something to get under your skin. When that happens, take a deep breath and think about how you want the rest of the day to go before reacting. If you have a negative response, that may linger with you (and those around you) for the rest of the day.
3. GRATITUDE: Spread hugs and well wishes to those you are with, letting them know that you are grateful for them. Not only will it make them happy, but it will put you in a good mood too.
4. GO OUTSIDE: Getting fresh air and taking a walk can lower your stress levels.
5. REFLECT: Spend some time in the evening thinking about all the meaningful events of the day and the people who motivate and inspire you. This simple act can energize you.

So, do enjoy time with friends and family this holiday season, but don’t forget to take time for yourself too.

There is a facility management staffing shortage happening now. Although the number of available positions in the industry is growing, there is serious concern about finding skilled labor to fill the roles. Not only do employers need to attract new staff to meet the expanding demand, but they also need to think about the all of the vacancies that occur as older workers enter retirement. The average age of facility management workers is 51 years old.

The labor shortage is not just happening in the United States, but worldwide. The pool of workers is down due to younger workers pursuing careers that they perceive as higher status with lower unemployment rates and competition. According to a recent survey by the Manpower Group, 45 percent of all employers say they can’t find the skilled workers they need, and skilled trades ranks as the hardest to find skill set of all.

Unfortunately, this skilled labor shortage has led to many companies putting off regular facility system maintenance. These delays can cause many issues, including:

• Increased energy consumption and higher energy bills. When equipment isn’t maintained, it often gets filled with dirt and dust, running less efficiently. According to an article by the Building Efficiency Initiative, poor maintenance can increase energy use by 30 to 60 percent, meaning companies can also expect much higher bills.
• Higher equipment cost. Without regular preventative maintenance, equipment is more likely to breakdown and require costly repairs or even replacement.
• Equipment not working effectively. Buildings may run too hot or too cold because the mechanical equipment isn’t functioning properly. This can make the building occupants uncomfortable, which can also lead to tenants not renewing their leases.

Although it is easy to overlook when understaffed, regular maintenance of facility systems not only saves money but also ensures safety.

So, what should facility managers do if they aren’t able to hire the skilled talent that they need? The best options involve working with skilled talent from a third party. Whether this means having someone brought in to train your existing internal team, or collaborating with them to handle specific things such as preventative maintenance, both can bring great benefits. RK Service offers both of these options and is happy to work with companies to figure out the right combination of training and maintenance to fit their needs.

RK Foundation

For over 50 years, RK has supported numerous non-profit and charitable organizations that improve the quality of life in our community. Since 2011, we have continued this proud tradition of philanthropy through the RK Foundation (RKF). We recycle scrap metal generated in our fabrication facilities and from projects across RK’s seven business units, and all funds generated support the work of the RK Foundation.

The RKF has granted $100k since January 2019 with a cumulative total of $1.39M to date! Each quarter, the RKF Board of Directors reviews grant applications and determines which organizations best align with our core advocacy areas of education, health and community development, as well as our mission to build better lives by strengthening communities and providing opportunities for those most in need. 

Some recent grant recipients include the Community College of Denver, Fisher House, Women’s Bean Project, Homes for Our Troops, CureSearch and Metropolitan State University of Denver.

RK Cares Foundation

The RK Cares Foundation serves as the philanthropic and corporate citizenship arm of RK, overseeing our employee volunteer program as well as the company’s community outreach and engagement. Each year, RK Cares volunteers participate in 10 – 12 group volunteer activities and give back to our community.

HERO Fund

Additionally, RK Cares administers the newly established HERO Fund, which empowers RK employees to help reduce the burden when unexpected life events occur. The program officially launched in early September with a $25k donation from the RK Foundation. All donations collected are used to support RK employees, their families, and the community.

Feeling Inspired? Volunteering your time is the easiest thing you can do! Call your favorite local non-profit and ask them what you and your family can do to help.

Culture is the character of an organization. It’s the values, traditions, behaviors, interactions and attitudes displayed every day. Workplace culture is to an organization what personality is to an individual.

Positive workplace culture attracts talented people, affects happiness, engagement and satisfaction, while also improving performance. A company’s culture is influenced by everything from leadership and management to workplace policies, practices and people.

When looking to work for a company, the primary factors are often the company’s brand value and compensation to employees. While many believe these are enough to attract talent, work culture often plays an even bigger role in retaining good employees. Workplace culture makes some places great to work and other places miserable. It affects relationships between employees and leadership. This can mean the difference between working with each other for the common good of the company or arguing every step of the way.

A company’s culture is so important in bringing out the best in employees even during not-so-great times. Negativity not only crushes creativity and an employee’s will to perform but also stops the development of dedication to a company’s success.

When it comes down to it, humans are relatively simple beings. Working in a positive environment with a good culture affects the way we think and how we act with one another. So, make your workplace a positive one!

RK strives to create a rewarding workplace for employees by hosting several employee-focused events and recognition ceremonies throughout the year, check them out here.

September is National Suicide Awareness and Prevention month. As an employer of skilled trades professionals, one of the professions with a high rate of suicide, RK takes precautions to support and listen to our valued employees. To ensure our employees have a safe space, we have implemented certain initiatives.

Open Communication Culture

Often we find the male-dominated construction industry often has the false perception that individuals in the skilled trades must always appear “tough.” RK promotes a culture of open communication, and we encourage employees to express their opinions and emotions in productive, healthy ways. Employees can speak freely with managers and supervisors when they feel wronged or if something is troubling them. Managers and supervisors are also required to promote a healthy open door policy with their team so that all employees feel valued and heard.

Mental Wellness Toolbox Talks

Toolbox Talks are a staple of our weekly communications here at RK, and although personal safety is a top priority, we also hold specific toolbox talks to emphasize the importance of mental wellness. In these talks we not only address the high amount of addiction, depression, and suicides that plague the construction industry but also promote healthy coping skills to help employees navigate their way through their feelings. Employees are provided resources at these talks so that they can reach out for help if needed.

Suicide Prevention Training

All managers, supervisors and our wellness team have received suicide prevention training. These classes supply our upper management teams with the skills to effectively identify associates who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts or more severe mental health issues. RK understands that identifying suicidal warning signs early enough may prevent someone from taking their own life.

Wellness Coaches

RK has onsite wellness coaches that are available in our corporate locations and jobsites to check on and monitor the health and wellness of all employees. Coaches are trained to watch for associates who may be struggling personally or professionally to direct them to a licensed professional if needed. Our wellness staff also provides employees with alternative health and wellness recommendations that may help them to better cope with daily stressors.

RK values our employees and understands the importance of mental health and wellness. The construction industry’s high rate of suicide stems from mental health issues, addiction, and a constantly changing job market. RK works diligently to ensure all of our employees receive the best mental and physical healthcare available. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide please call 1.800.273.8255.

By: RK Electrical

Pulling wire is a big part of being an electrician and having the right tools is essential. If the correct steps aren’t taken during the pull, it can lead to lost time and patience, and in some cases, needing to entirely replace the damaged wire from a failed pull.

Wire pulling equipment offers many benefits over hand pulling techniques. Here are some of the best reasons to make the switch.

Benefits

• Cost-Savings: Fewer electricians are required on the jobsite since machines can more efficiently handle the effort of a several workers. In addition, they reduce the chance of damaging wires during a pull.
• Time: Wire pulling machines can complete a job significantly faster than 3-5 people could, so deadlines can more easily be met and the scope of work remains on schedule.
• Convenience: Pulling through tight spaces, such as under raised flooring, through ceilings, walls or crawl spaces, is much easier for a machine than bare hands.
• Safety: Wire pulling can be hazardous, but specialized equipment can make the job safer by reducing the strain and cuts that would occur from pulling wire manually.
• Strength: Wire pulling machines are stronger than several men simultaneously pulling.
• Durability:These machines are made to be tough, impact-resistant and typically last many years.

Designed to get all electrical jobs done in the most convenient way, wire pulling machines and equipment are now in demand to complete a job smoothly. RK Electrical uses them daily to get our projects done efficiently and effectively.

By: RK

With warmer weather comes specific health challenges for skilled trades professionals. Often, workers are so focused on deadlines and completing work correctly, that they forget to take proper health precautions. Simple changes in your day-to-day routines can significantly better your health and also make you more effective on the jobsite.

Pack Protein

Working outside in scorching hot weather is difficult, but doing so without proper nutrition can lead to heat exhaustion and deadly mistakes. Eating fast food can drain your body of proper nutrients needed in order to sustain energy throughout the day. It’s important to pack your lunch full of protein like lean meats, protein bars, almonds and oats. Eating a healthy lunch will help you stay alert and give you more energy to complete your work in a timely, effective manner.

Hydrate

Staying hydrated on the jobsite is one of the easiest things you can do to keep yourself safe. Try filling your reusable water bottle halfway with water and freezing it the night before, so it keeps your water cold throughout the day. Standard hydration rules suggest you should drink one ounce of water for every pound you weigh, so keep those bottles filled up. And remember, fruits such as watermelon are full of water, so pack some of those for your mid-afternoon snack! If you find that your jobsite doesn’t have easily accessible water coolers, report the issue to your supervisor immediately.

Take Breaks

The construction industry has the stigma of working non-stop to get the job done, but companies are working to change that message. Breaks are needed, especially during the hot summer months, to avoid costly, deadly mistakes. Your body needs to rest every couple of hours, especially when working out in the elements. It’s imperative that you give your body a break, sit in the shade, and rehydrate. Plan your breaks out throughout the day, so you stick to your hydration and eating schedule.

Update Your Gear

Safety gear is essential on any jobsite, but the winter months can damage gear rapidly. Make sure you’re taking inventory of your summer gear and replace the damaged pieces with new items. You may also want to consider more summer friendly, safety approved gear to stay a bit cooler during those blistering hot days. And don’t forget, sunscreen should be a part of your protection regimen. Not only do sunburns hurt, but they can lead to skin cancer and massively deplete hydration.

Be Aware of Heat Stress

Heat stroke, exhaustion, cramps, and heat rash can negatively impact your health and they are preventable. Unfortunately, hundreds of people die every year from these illnesses. These conditions occur because the body is unable to cool itself properly. Extreme heat is defined as “summertime temperatures that are much hotter and/or humid than average.” The symptoms vary depending on the condition, so familiarize yourself and your coworkers with each condition and the warning signs. With effective education and safety precautions, you can prevent a serious health incident.

By: RK Steel

When it comes to choosing materials, steel is preferred among designers because it can be used to rapidly build economical, durable and safe structures. However, its downfall is the tendency to react with oxygen and water, causing corrosion.

Applying the correct protective coating to structural steel upon installation can give a steel frame a long life, limit corrosion and reduce ongoing maintenance needs. Older paint systems consisted of five or six coats but, in recent years, have been replaced by fewer coats of thicker film. These paints are composed of three main ingredients: pigments, binders and solvents. Each layer applied has a specific function.

Breaking Down the Layers

Primer is applied directly to clean steel, providing corrosion resistance and good adhesion to the subsequent layers. Intermediate coats help to build up the total film thickness; generally the thicker the coating, the longer the life of the steel. In addition, these layers decrease the permeability of oxygen and water, delaying moisture penetration and improving tensile strength. The finish coat not only gives the paint job the desired glossy appearance but also acts as the first line of defense against condensation, weather and sunlight. An additional stripe coat is often applied directly to welds, fasteners and external corners to bring the thickness in those areas to satisfactory levels.

Paint Application Methods

The method of application used can have a significant impact on the quality and durability of the coating. Airless spray is often used under controlled shop conditions. Brush, rollers and air spray are typically used for on-site application.

Temperature and humidity are the main conditions that affect the final paint job and can be more easily controlled under shop conditions. Air and steel temperature can affect how the solvent evaporates, as well as drying and curing times. Paints should not be applied when there is moisture present or if the humidity level is high. This can affect the overall paint application and drying time.

Metallic Coatings for Structural Steel

Hot-dipped galvanizing is sometimes applied to structural steel surface. It is a process that involves immersing the steel components into a bath of molten zinc, leaving the surface uniformly coated with more durability, abrasion resistance and increased protection. Since this requires a dipping process, there are obvious restrictions on the size of pieces that can be galvanized. However, when it can be used, it is a highly sustainable, producing minimal waste.

Conclusion

The primary quality of steel is its physical strength, or load-bearing capacity, which is generally long-lasting. It is only compromised by corrosion, adversely affecting the steel’s safety. The life of a structure depends on the rate of reaction to its environment, as well as the protective coatings applied. Corrosion protection must be applied from the onset to minimize this process, preventing or greatly reducing the rate of corrosion.

By: RK

Skilled trades professionals often have to provide quick solutions to unexpected problems, and industry leaders now understand that the utilization of new technology can increase efficiency. The days of lugging around heavy laptops to check the latest plans and printing, revising and distributing paper-based documentation are long gone. The aversion for new technologies has hindered construction industries growth possibilities for decades, but not anymore. These top three benefits of incorporating technology into jobsites can save your company money, jobs and time.

Increased Trust

In the past, the construction industry was slow to incorporate new technology into their daily routines, but after seeing the benefits first-hand, that trend is changing. Creating trust with customers and employees can be achieved simply by utilizing automated applications. With the replacement of email chains, Word docs and Excel spreadsheets for cloud and DropBox solutions, construction firms are seeing an increase in job productivity and stronger employee/client relationships. The increased use of elevated technology makes it easier to track job progression, employee productivity, version control and management of audit trails. This shift in thinking doesn’t just provide increased efficiency, but also sustainability – placing the control back in the hands of the user.

Lowered Risk

Safety first is a common industry theme, but sometimes potential hazards are missed. Using technology to create safer working conditions is useful even before the project begins. Simple tasks, such as filling out paperwork, can be replaced with a safety text reminder every single morning. This process followed by mandatory e-signatures via a mobile device are just a couple of examples of how changing small things makes massive impacts. Finding the right software for your safety needs not only saves time, but can also save your company money by shortening punch list completion times. It also allows project managers to stay on top of subs to complete all work in a timely manner.

Heightened Technological Comprehension

Taking advantage of the benefits of mobile technology can save time and money, but some industry leaders are still hesitant. This hesitation may be due to a lack of proper training practices. If your employees don’t understand or are unaware of the technology your company has access to, the tools to make jobs easier are useless. Training employees on how and when to use software and apps is an integral part of incorporating technology into their daily routine. Oftentimes employees can be overwhelmed by the adoption of new processes, but with proper training, these anxieties can be eliminated.

The incorporation of new technology on jobsites may seem daunting at first, but if done properly, the benefits outweigh the learning curve challenges. Make sure thorough research is completed prior to purchasing any software to be certain it fits all the needs of your corporation. Ask for demos and trials in order to allow your employees to provide much needed feedback. Asking for pros and cons from the employees who will be interacting with the apps/software daily will also open the lines of communication between upper management and skilled trades workers. Creating a more efficient process doesn’t occur overnight, but with proper engagement and roll-out, you will see rapid positive changes.