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:
- 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.
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
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
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.
By: RK
Safety Week is a perfect opportunity to remind skilled tradespeople how important it is to be cautious when working at heights, one misstep can quickly turn into a deadly mistake. Construction workers face many hour-to-hour physical challenges on jobsites, and these tips can help to get you home to your families safe and sound.
Training is Key
Training employees on height safety is not only required by law, but lack of training can cause confusion and errors on jobsites. Falls are the leading cause of death on construction sites. Creating an environment where open dialogue is welcome and training is a primary focus may prevent employees from making life-altering mistakes. Additionally, ensure employees are briefed daily on height safety and any weather or additional worksite challenges they may face when in the field.
Use OSHA’s Hierarchy of Controls
Eliminate the hazard. If the piece of equipment or material you are working on is at heights, the hazard can be eliminated by moving the project ground level.
Substitution replaces any jobsite hazard that may put your health or the health of your coworkers at risk.
Engineering Controls (barricades, guardrails, etc.) should be installed and inspected on a regular basis. If for some reason the appropriate protections are not in place in areas where they are needed, report the issue to your supervisor.
Administrative Controls (signs, warning labels, etc.) change the way people work by visually reminding them of dangerous areas.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (gloves, glasses, etc.) are effective if used properly, but PPE is the least effective way of controlling hazards at heights. When working on elevated job sites, there is always a high potential of damage that can make the PPE ineffective.
Select and Inspect PPE
Personal protective equipment should always be worn on jobsites whether working on the ground or at elevated areas. Wearing ill-fitting, damaged or old protective gear while working can place your life at risk. Make sure you inspect your fall protection gear before each use and other PPE every morning before working. Thoroughly understand the proper protocol when you find an issue with your equipment and have a competent person inspect your gear to ensure it meets safety guidelines before heading to your section for the day.
Use Ladders Properly
For most of us, ladders are a familiar tool we use on the job and at home, but making the assumption that they can’t be dangerous because you’ve cleaned your gutters is a massive mistake. Ensuring that you know how to use a ladder properly is essential. Be certain never to use the top two rungs of a ladder and always keep your belt buckle between the vertical rails of the ladder. Also, make certain all debris and materials are not gathering at the bottom of the workspace; unnecessary rubble can cause additional accidents.
Know Fall Distance
OSHA standards require that workers “must have sufficient strength to withstand twice the potential impact energy of a worker free falling a distance of six feet or the free fall distance permitted by the system, whichever is less.” All anchorage points must also be able to withstand 5,000 pounds of force when subjected to a fall. If you’re unsure of the proper fall protection equipment to use, check with your supervisor immediately.
Staying safe when working at heights requires proper gear and more importantly paying attention to your surroundings. If at any time you feel unsafe, safely remove yourself from the location and use your “stop work authority” until the issues are resolved. Remember, you aren’t staying safe just because you were directed to do so, we also want you to get home to your family intact. These are just a few guidelines to keep you safe on jobsites, but you can find additional information here.