The Construction Industry x COVID-19
Word by Barbara Akinkunmi
ShutterstockHow COVID-19 Effects the Construction Industry
The government’s decision to put the UK on ‘lockdown has resulted in many construction sites shutting down to protect the health and safety of employees. Over the next few weeks and months, the spread of the virus within the UK will have a weighty impact on construction activities, causing delays and disruptions to on-site activities, project delivery, employees and project supply chains.
The closure of sites will affect a large amount of people who currently work within the industry. Majority of the subcontractors in the construction industry are self-employed and heavily rely on live construction sites, so COVID-19 raises concerns about the future and finance of their businesses. This is similar to employees whose roles are based on site meaning they may potentially lose their jobs due to the virus breakout. In the midst of all of this, construction companies need to communicate and reassure their employees and the supply chain where possible. They must also implement the ongoing Government policy and advise effectively.
ShutterstockWorking from home shouldn’t limit you being active!
Having to stay at home for weeks, potentially even months, doesn’t seem pleasant to many. Seeing the walls of your home for 24 ho urs every day can take getting used to especially if you’re a construction worker who’s used to being on a site 5-7 days a week. Your mind and body are constantly used to being active in one way or another, so this period of solitude can be quite daunting. However, being at home at this time shouldn’t be seen as a negative thing, it should be seen as something to take advantage of - an opportunity to develop you! We rarely get moments like this where we can be at home for long periods of time - even booked holidays off of work can’t compare. During this pandemic, find something to do that will help develop you! I’ve decided to engage in activities and things that will keep my mind active and creative!
The whole world seems to be crumbling in these times of solitude, however that doesn’t need to be your narrative. It’s a perfect opportunity to read books on your discipline/industry and also on topics of interest. There are also free online courses available on The Open University so why not expand your knowledge and learn something new? The best thing about this is that it’s all free and you can do as many as you want - all from the comfort of your home. The courses vary from different languages, education, art, business, science, law and many more.
You can also inspire yourself by reading other stories from other women in your field– and what’s more, you can connect with them online! The whole world has gone digital right now and everyone has turned to the airwaves for hope, entertainment, encouragement and discussions! Make good use of platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook etc. and meet new people who are in your industry. Don’t allow the practice of social distancing to become a time to avoid people. It is especially important during this pandemic, not to only think of yourself, but also of the lives who may be affected. Use this time to inspire, engage and speak via the digital platforms.
That blog or business idea that always wanted to develop it – do it! For those that love to read, why not inspire yourself and read about women in your field? Majority of people have turned to Netflix or daytime TV during this pandemic, which is not a bad thing however what are you learning? How are they developing you in this time? I think that a good balance between pleasure and development is needed during this period, so that when we are free to go back to the working world, we return refined, having developed more knowledge, skills or even having taken up a new hobby! Here are a few reading suggestions for women in construction:
Photo by Ria Puskas on UnsplashWe’ll Call You If We Need You: Experiences of Women Working in Construction by Susan Eisenberg.
All Alone on the 68th Floor: How One Woman Changed the Face of Construction by Barbara Res
Built: The Hidden Stories Behind Our Structures by Roma Agrawal
Women Design: Pioneers in architecture, industrial, graphic and digital design from the twentieth century to the present day by LibbySellers
Where Are the Women Architects? by Despina Stratigakos
Tomorrow's Team: Women and Men in Construction (CIB Reports) (Construction Industry Board)