As COVID cases soar around the US, it is becoming an increasing challenge for companies to keep their offices, jobsites and employees safe. While there are many precautionary behaviors employers can ask their staff to follow, (social distancing, wearing masks, sanitizing, etc.) it is imperative that employers implement additional, proactive safety measures to mitigate the risk of infection long before there is an outbreak. Our COVID-19 Task Force has spent hundreds of hours researching preventative methods to stop the spread of harmful viruses and germs. We have actively tested solutions since March and are confident in sharing these three recommendations for preventing the spread of COVID-19 in your office space or jobsite.
The construction industry is ripe with conflicting information about supply chain interruptions and delays. Some sources indicate that the supply chain outlook is positive and nearly back on track, while others predict significant delays for the remainder of the year. Our construction teams continue to monitor manufacturers and suppliers to understand the true impact on construction schedules. The truth is, supply chains are simply changing. There is unpredictability created by a number of factors including regional COVID hotspots, outbreaks in manufacturing facilities, varying regional SIP regulations, health/safety concerns and workers’ hesitation to return to factories.
The biggest factor however, creating unpredictable supply chain delays, is actually not manufacturing or production, but shipping and freight.
As everyone anxiously awaits for the Shelter in Place orders to be lifted, when returning to work it will be a challenge to maintaining social distancing. Questions will arise of how to reconfigure office space in order to provide a safe and healthy environment.
There are numerous options to consider ranging from simply removing conference room chairs all the way to installing motion-activated doors. The good news is that you have a wide range of options.
Companies with high-density workstations and open bench seating may need to pivot and reconfigure their furniture. Employers may consider A and B shifts, or alternating days of the week in order to stagger the workforce and reduce density. Some may consider creating a designated path of travel within their office to avoid people “bumping into each other” in the halls.
Below are many potential solutions to help you start thinking about how to reconfigure your own office space for re-opening.
The COVID-19 outbreak has brought the construction industry to a screeching halt in regions like CA, WA and NY, while creating significant supply chain and material lags in other cities. Regardless of location, the entire construction industry has been forced to pause, pivot and jump into crisis mode to assess the current situation and plan for the future.
Developing contingency plans, finding alternate delivery solutions, assessing costs and keeping an eye on what’s going on with the supply chain has become our new normal. What we’re trying to do is answer the lingering question: what does the future of commercial office design and construction look like once COVID-19 is behind us?
We gathered a taskforce of the industry’s top minds to share their insight into the changing landscape of the construction industry. Together, we grappled with the following questions and scenarios for what our industry should anticipate post COVID-19:
How will office design trends change?
Will space needs diminish if the WFH model proves successful?
Will any trades or service lines see an increase in demand?
What will the new standard of jobsites and field work become?
While no one has a crystal ball, and we are all navigating uncharted waters together, the outcome of our discussion led to many sound predictions on the changing nature of the industry.
Very few can inspire people quite like our CEO, David Hayes. David not only advocates for diversity and inclusion in construction, but he also personally mentors and empowers diverse employees in our company to elevate their careers. We’re very proud of what David is doing to spread awareness and level the playing field in our industry. Read more about his views on the state of construction, diversity and leading an employee-owned company.
Chicago’s construction boom has slowed a bit, according to industry analysts. Some label it a temporary rightsizing before an expected increase, while others cite rising construction costs, lack of skilled labor and uncertainty about the city’s financial outlook as key contributors.
Four executives on the forefront of building Chicagoland shared their insights on these topics and more with Crain’s Content Studio…
