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Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, last year was anything but predictable or normal. Predictions for 2021 are cautiously optimistic with a combination of positive and some negative growth for the construction industry, arguably one of the largest sectors worldwide. Although large hotel and higher education projects have declined recently, others have increased, such as healthcare facilities and warehouse construction to meet current needs.

Because of measurements put in place to keep everyone safe, businesses have had to change how they function and communicate both internally and externally, limiting in-person interactions. This has also caused delays in some projects. The need to know what is happening on a job site has become greater than ever. As a result, even in an industry that is otherwise resistant to embracing new technology, construction has seen an increase in adoption of construction-specific technology, from BIM to 3D-printing, facilitating a more versatile way of working.

Without further ado, here are the top eight construction trends predicted for 2021.

  1. Keeping focused on safety with continued social distancing, protective gear and enhanced protocols for cleanliness
  2. Increased hiring for seamless execution of current and unexpected future projects
  3. Implementation of construction-specific equipment and technology to supplement a declining workforce
  4. Expanded distribution and manufacturing facilities to meet current e-commerce demands
  5. More complex urban development and infrastructure projects
  6. Renewed focus on sustainability and renewable energy
  7. Expanded use of modular construction, increasing quality while also reducing costs and project timelines
  8. Increased construction cost and pressure on the bottom line, as net profits remain slim

Construction companies must prepare themselves for the uncertain future. Luckily, with many recent innovations already in place, the construction industry has begun to optimize processes in all phases of construction.

Key developments in the construction industry will likely continue to grow and change as we progress through 2021, and we look forward to it.

 

Digital Builder, 2021 Construction Trends: 20 Insights from Experts, 12.17.20
Construction Dive, 2021 Outlook: 6 Trends that Will Influence Construction this Year, 1.04.21
Chad Fisher Construction, Commercial Construction Trends For 2021, 12.07.20
Method:CRM, Key trends in the construction industry for 2021, accessed 1.19.21
Let’s Build, 5 construction trends you want to look out for in 2021, accessed 1.19.21

Recently, companies have been more concerned about the health and safety of their buildings due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Not only are they worried about keeping current employees and customers safe and happy, they also want to attract new talent and tenants. It is important to address the virus-related concerns since many people are now thinking about the air quality of the buildings they will be spending their days in. So, what can companies do to improve the overall health of their buildings?

Expand on Current Inspections
In most buildings, facility managers have already upgraded their building to include health conscious features like indoor plants, water bottle filling stations and natural lighting fixtures, along with regular inspections of HVAC and other systems. As we continue to live through the pandemic, companies need to look beyond just operating efficiently to help people feel safe.

In addition to regular inspections for wear and tear, businesses should examine unseen systems, such as ventilation and cleaning protocols, which could be just as vital for safety as a leaking ceiling or a crack in a sidewalk.

Keep Fresh Air Flowing
Recycling air from one room to another can increase the risk of airborne viruses also transferring. With growing concern of viruses spreading among people in close quarters, improvements to existing ventilation systems are needed. Increasing the amount of outdoor fresh air, along with purifying existing air in the building through bi-polar ionization can go a long way. While opening windows can be a quick fix, most buildings don’t have that option.

Reducing Transmission through Touchpoints
Install equipment such as toilet sensors, touchless soap dispensers and faucets, foot door pulls, and sensory lighting to minimize touchpoint transmission. For surfaces that must be used communally, consider an antimicrobial coating system to reduce the likelihood of transmission.

Encourage and Enforce CDC Recommendations
If there are areas of your building where restrooms aren’t nearby, consider installing hand sanitation stations to encourage regular hand washing.
Be sure all employees and guests are wearing masks or face coverings and wearing them properly, covering both their mouth and nose. Also, remind them to safely social distance when interacting with one another.

Evaluating your building’s current systems and equipment can help to identify ways to improve air quality, boost equipment performance and often leads to discovering new ways to increase energy savings.

RK Service’s expertly trained team of technicians can evaluate your facility, provide recommendations and build a custom products package to fit your needs. Call 877.576.9696 or email service@rkservice.com to schedule an appointment. For more information about our commercial HVAC/R systems evaluations and upgrades, click here.

 

What Makes an Office Building “Healthy”,  April 29, 2020, Harvard Business Review
Retro-Commissioning: Significant Savings at Minimal Cost, March 5, 2013, Building Efficiency Initiative
How COVID-19 has Increased Interest in Air Quality Testing, September 22, 2020, JLL

Making health and safety a priority in the workplace is important, and mental health is no exception. An employee’s mental health can affect their attitude and behavior, which in turn affects how they communicate with other staff and their overall productivity.

RK is committed to ensuring our employees experience a healthy work environment when they come to work each day. If you are looking for ways that your company can provide a more mentally healthy workplace during these trying times, look no further. Below are some tips to get you started.

Inclusive workplaces can positively influence community attitudes towards mental health. Investing in mental health not only benefits employees, but also creates a more positive and productive environment, often giving companies a better bottom line. In addition, companies that care about staff wellbeing are more likely to attract and retain top talent.

Mental illness and substance abuse issues cost employers billions each year. While promoting a healthy workplace will not stop all mental health problems, it can help improve mental strength, keeping employees as healthy as possible. Creating a mentally healthy workplace is a clear win-win for both companies and employees.
 

Mentally Healthy Workplaces during COVID-19, accessed December 2, 2020, National Mental Health Commission – Australia
The Boss’ Guide to Creating a Mentally Healthy Workplace, December 10, 2018, Psychology Today
Healthy Workplaces, accessed December 2, 2020, Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance

 

Prevention

Recognizing warning signs of suicidal behavior is the first step in prevention. The following actions may indicate that someone is thinking about suicide.

If there is concern that someone may be contemplating suicide, ask them in a discreet and supportive way. Depression can prevent people from opening up. So, if you really believe something is wrong, keep asking and tell them about the changes that you have noticed in them. While it isn’t always easy, asking if an at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can save their life.

Intervention

If they admit that they are suicidal, be there for them. Listen carefully about what they are thinking and feeling. Acknowledging and talking about suicide can actually reduce suicidal thoughts. Refer them to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and the Crisis Text Line’s number: 741741 for further support. Getting them to a trained professional is important, as they may need to be hospitalized until the crisis has passed.

If you can, consider removing harmful objects from their home that could be used for suicide, such as knives, firearms, ropes, pills and household cleaners containing dangerous chemicals. If the person takes a prescription that could be used for an overdose, encourage them to have someone else safeguard it.

Once someone has made it through a suicide crisis, they will still need ongoing support. Meeting regularly with a therapist is highly advised to work through the issues that brought them to considering suicide. This can help them find coping strategies in case thoughts of suicide begin to emerge again. Honoring milestones, like making it through another week or month is a great way to move forward with healing.

Additionally, after you have helped someone through a suicide crisis, staying in touch with them can make a big difference. Suicide death rates go down when someone regularly follows up with the at-risk person.

Even though it can be frightening to help someone through a suicide crisis, it is important to take action.  Most suicides can be prevented if the warning signs are recognized soon enough. By reaching out and getting them the support they need before it’s too late, you can help to save a life.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline:
1.800.273.8255 (English)
1.888.628.9454 (Espanol)
1.800.273.8255 (Deaf and Hard of Hearing)

Crisis Text Line:
Text “Hello” to 741741

 

With vacations on hold, fewer people are taking time off work than ever. Many employees feel that they are either too busy to take time off or that they might miss something important by not being there. Some feel guilty for taking the time, believing that they will not be considered dedicated to their job.

The added pressures of the pandemic aren’t helping matters. More employees are reluctant to use their vacation time because of lingering uncertainty, feeling they must prioritize work above all else. The threat of businesses closing or downsizing has many employees wanting to prove that they are dedicated and necessary to the business’s success.

On top of this, mental health has been negatively affected. More than half of adults in the U.S. have worries and stress related to the pandemic. From adjusting to working from home, where employees are working longer hours because they have a hard time distinguishing work versus home life, to concerns of family members getting sick. Moreover, with all of the frightening news and, for some, suddenly becoming a homeschool teacher, everyone is stressed far more than they probably even realize.

Saving all of your vacation time for the holidays or a potential sickness may not be the best idea. Even if travel isn’t possible, occasionally taking a couple of days off to recharge mentally is beneficial. You can use your time to clean up the house, knock out some projects that have been on your list for a while, visit a lake or river for a day of fun in the sun with the family or just order takeout and relax on the couch. Regardless of what you do, taking some time for yourself is necessary to avoid burnout.

Not using the vacation days that you have earned is like working for free. So take off an occasional day or two and detach from work during that time. Regular time off can rejuvenate employees, making them happier and more productive. It also helps to reduce stress levels and improve overall health, possibly even increasing overall lifespan.

In fact, humans can’t endure long periods of stress without experiencing burnout unless they allow for adequate recovery time. What are you waiting for? Request some scheduled days off now and start recharging your mind and body.

 

  1. Rachel Pelta, Why You Should Take Time Off During the Pandemic, FlexJobs, May 15, 2020
  2. Shannon McMahon, TRAVELING MAY NOT BE SAFE, BUT LEAVING VACATION DAYS BEHIND ISN’T HEALTHY EITHER, Washington Post, August 12, 2020
  3. Heather Smith, Encourage Taking Time Off — Yes, Even During A Pandemic, Forbes, July 14, 2020
  4. Vicky McKeever, Why it’s still important to take days off work, if you can, while in lockdown, CNBC, April 22, 2020

 

With COVID-19 continuing to spread across the U.S., safety teams remain on high alert. In addition to standard practices, construction sites have already implemented various new policies to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, including:

Now that summer is in full swing, there are additional hazards and challenges to consider. These top summer safety practices can help keep construction workers safe when the heat is intense.

  1. Avoid long periods of work in direct mid-day sunshine. If possible, complete portions of work that must be performed out in the open early or late in the day.
  2. Stay hydrated. Do not wait until thirst sets in to drink fluids, drink them regularly throughout the day. Avoid caffeinated and sugary beverages as they can add to dehydration. Instead, focus on mainly drinking water.
  3. Eat smart. Eating a heavy meal can make the body sluggish, especially in the heat. Instead, try to choose lighter healthier options for lunch to keep you energized throughout the afternoon. In addition, salty snacks throughout the day can help to replenish sodium lost through sweat.
  4. Wear sunscreen and lightweight breathable clothing, in lighter colors. Not only will this protect your skin from UV rays but it will also help keep your body temperature down.
  5. Take regular breaks, preferably in shaded areas. While resting, use that time to drink water, eat a small snack and reapply sunscreen. When removing your face covering to cool off or eat a snack, make sure to do so a safe distance from others.
  6. Be aware of signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If after excessive sweating, you begin to feel dizzy, nauseous, confused or disoriented, have slurred speech, get a throbbing heading or worse, you suddenly stop sweating altogether, you need to hydrate immediately. If you recognize these symptoms in yourself or anyone else, get immediate medical attention, as this can result in death or disability.

The following resources offer more advice on summer construction safety: Construction’s Top 5 Summer Safety Hazards and What To Do About Them, 17 Summer Safety Tips for Construction: Keep Your Team Safe in the Heat and 10 Hot-Weather Safety Tips for Construction.

Additionally, check out OSHA’s COVID-19 Guidance for the Construction Workforce or the CDC’s What Construction Workers Need to Know about COVID-19, for more advice on how to stay safe during the pandemic.

Thanks to all the hardworking construction workers who are helping to build and grow our communities. Stay safe out there!

As states continue to gradually reopen, people are experiencing high levels of stress as they learn to reintegrate back into the community, public spaces and work environments. With the added pressure of going back into office settings, comes a great deal of anxiety for a lot of people. Whether in the office or continuing to work from home, here are some ways in which you can learn to manage your stress during this pandemic.

Reach Out
Mental health experts agree that reaching out for help during this uncertain time is more important than ever. With therapists now available through apps and conference calls, it’s easier than ever to obtain confidential, therapy from trained professionals. There are various options available through insurance or free from local state agencies. If therapy isn’t your cup of tea, just reaching out to a close friend or family member can also have the same benefits. Sometimes just sharing your experience is all it takes to ease your mind.

Structure
When attempting to maintain a positive work/life balance, it can be difficult to follow a consistent schedule when working from home or remotely. It’s important to provide yourself and your family as much structure as possible to avoid any additional chaotic stress caused by unknowns. Getting a schedule together for your workday and/or family time, schools schedules, etc. may alleviate additional pressure caused by inconsistency.

Be Patient with Yourself
The rapid lifestyle changes that accompanied the pandemic are something that we have never experienced before. Oftentimes, we can put undue pressure on ourselves to “be okay” which can exacerbate the issues. Give yourself the space to experience emotions and also be honest with your peers and management staff on how to best help you through this challenging time.

Take Breaks
Working from home can often quickly lead to burnout. Because a vast majority of individuals are now working from home, the molding of home and work life can have a negative impact on your mental health and well-being. It’s important to give yourself a set work schedule while also ensuring that you are taking time off. Your European vacation may have been cancelled, but still take those days off to make sure you’re giving your body and mind the breaks they need.

Physical Activity
Small amounts of daily physical activity release much needed endorphins to improve mood and overall health. Even if it’s taking your dog for a small walk or a short 30-minute yoga break during the day, your mental health relies on body movement.

RK understands the importance of mental health care and we invest in the well-being of our associates. If you or a family member are struggling with thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.8255.

With the sudden arrival of COVID-19 and the immediate need for office employees to begin working from home, businesses swiftly and effectively moved their teams of professionals home, so they could productively and effectively continue daily operations without being placed in harm’s way.

Now that some restrictions have been lifted, and new Safer-at-Home guidelines are being put into place, businesses face new challenges when bringing their dedicated staff back into their offices. As businesses slowly begin reintroducing people back into shared-spaces, they do so with the utmost care to ensure their workforces are safe and comfortable. Here are some precautions companies are taking to prepare their employees for a seamless return.

Effective, Consistent Communication

When dealing with any kind of crisis, clear, concise communications are of the utmost priority. Throughout the pandemic, it’s important to continually monitor and communicate with employees through text, emails, newsletters, and via social media. Internal video messages are also extremely effective modes of communication because they provide that (albeit virtually) face-to-face interaction that is so needed right now. Clear and frequent communications also serve as effective means to ward off unnecessary rumors and to also keep employees informed of upcoming changes and news.

Mitigate Anxiety

With the return of the workforce into the office, comes a great amount of anxiety. After spending months in a contained, safe space, many employees will be extremely nervous coming back into a shared-space. Additional steps to ease the minds of all employees are of the utmost importance during these uncertain times. These precautions include proper safety equipment (gloves, masks, social distancing procedures, etc.) and perhaps outside counseling availability to help associates with the stressful transition. It’s important that businesses listen to and address any concerns that may arise from employees. Remember this transition will impact everyone differently, so addressing even the smallest issue can provide comfort.

Continued Work from Home Options

For those employees who are health compromised, have childcare issues, or may just feel unsafe returning to the office, it’s important to offer continued work-from-home options. While it’s understood, that some employees need to return to the office in order to complete their job requirements, companies must always take into consideration each employee’s individual needs. It’s vital for employees to know that as long as their specific job requirements are being met, there is no need for them to be physically in the office. This versatility is necessary to establish trust and open communication in this new age of quarantine.

Detailed Plan and Policies

In addition to creating a safe working environment for employees, companies must also have extremely detailed plans and policies in place prior to anyone physically returning into the office. These policies and plans include, but are certainly not limited to: updated hygiene policies, social distancing protocols, revised business hours including transition periods to conduct proper cleaning, and revised work schedules to ensure you’re meeting the 50% Colorado issued capacity ordinance.

Building Preparation

Hiring experienced COVID-19 cleaning experts should be your number one priority prior to allowing employees back into the office. Although your current cleaning staff may have been acceptable pre-pandemic, it’s important that new cleaning protocols are now followed. Deep cleanings are essential to keep your employees safe. It’s also important to possibly install new, no-touch hand sanitizers, door opening devices and lavatory devices to be certain your employees aren’t coming into contact with anything dangerous. These new precautions will ease the minds of your workforce and also limit your company’s legal liability.

Although transitioning back into the office can be stressful, you can make it as comfortable as possible by taking the proper safety precautions, but more importantly, by reassuring your employees that you’re working in their best interest. By consistently and effectively communicating with your staff, you will help to put their minds at ease and reaffirm that we are truly all in this together.

Each new year brings predictions about trends that may impact the construction industry. 2020 appears to  be hyper-focused on the health and well-being of employees. The current labor shortage has highlighted the need for a  more strategic approach to worker’s safety, health and wellness, and innovative technology that will change the approach of the normal work-day for the better. Let’s explore some of the trends that are predicted to impact our workforce and worksites in 2020.

Offsite Solutions are the New Standard
To control costs, create  faster speed-to-market, and incorporate better consistency and quality,  companies have been choosing offsite manufacturing and modular solutions. These approaches have grown in popularity over the past decade and are more in demand than ever.  The healthcare and apartment industries have seen projects built faster than ever with much of the construction happening offsite in a controlled manufacturing environment that eliminates surprises and mitigates risk. The demand will continue to grow for offsite and modular solutions in 2020.

State-Of-The-Art Safety Equipment
Safety is the cornerstone of the construction industry, requiring top-of-the-line safety equipment, which is ever evolving. In 2020, one of the most intriguing new gadgets to hit the market are exoskeletons. These wearable machines have motorized joints which decrease laborer injury while allowing them to safely carry more weight. Another exciting tool recently released is “smart” work boots. These seemingly regular boots connect to Wi-Fi and send GPS coordinates to alert supervisors if their employees are exhausted or have fallen. We’re excited to see what other technological advances this year will bring our way.

Incorporation of New Technology
The incorporation of technology doesn’t mean the need for skilled laborers will decrease. In fact, introducing new technology into the construction industry is only meant to streamline current work practices. With the introduction of  3-D printing, mobile and cloud applications, drones, and advanced BIM technology, individuals can now work more efficiently, save costs, and help projects run more efficiently. Part of the increase in the interest in new technology stems from the demographical change in workforce. The construction industry is seeing an increase in aging workers retiring, so the focus has shifted to a younger workforce who may be less knowledgable, and greatly benefit from the help of newly released tech tools.

New Health and Wellness Initiatives
As a leader of health and wellness and suicide prevention in the construction industry, discovering new ways to ensure our employees are healthy, happy, and heard is a top priority at RK. From early addiction intervention to on-site wellness coaches, RK is facing the health and wellness issues of our employees head-on. It’s important that the construction industry continues to destigmatize mental health and addiction issues, and embrace any new strategies meant to support our employees.

Adjustment to Labor Shortage
Labor shortage in the construction industry has been an ongoing challenge for several years, but leaders in the industry are finding creative ways to offset the effects. RK is addressing the labor shortage with our successful apprenticeship program, in-house leadership and management training programs, incorporation of new technology, and  competitive wages. As an aging workforce approaches retirement, it’s important that construction companies begin to move into more forward-thinking policies and standards to entice today’s younger labor force.

There’s no true indication of how 2020’s construction trends will impact our industry, but the focus should always ensure profitability while also maintaining the health and wellness of employees. This new decade is an exciting time for the construction industry, and as it evolves, it’s imperative to stay up-to-date on products and services that will keep the industry competitive and successful.

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:

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.