Covid-19 has changed the construction and architecture landscapes, and many will say that this is for the better. Although the pandemic caused unprecedented delays and raw material shortages which we are still recovering from, many elements within the construction and architecture industries have improved. For example, better organisation and risk management have become a vital part of day-to-day operations as well as encouraging builders and architects to plan well into the future. To get their hands on materials that are no longer available on the short lead times that they may have been used to pre-pandemic.
Be Flexible and Act Fast
As we have learnt, anything can happen, at any time, and no matter how much you have planned and what measures you may have in place, the unexpected is always just around the corner. The pandemic has called for organisations to become more flexible with their approaches, to quickly adapt to change and find alternative solutions if necessary. We always ensure that our clients are aware of our lead times and will offer alternatives if these are easier obtained. Thanks to the flexibility of most of our clients, this has allowed projects to still be completed by proposed dates, or given contractors enough notice to form a plan of action for when the material can be obtained. So, our first and most important point to consider now and in the future is that we must all try our best to be flexible and act fast when faced with change. Things will always run a lot smoother if we do.
Communication and Cooperation are Key
With changes to the structure of the working day across construction sites, where shifts are swapped and different workflows are being tested to reduce the number of people on-site, the importance of communication has been a key takeaway from the pandemic. It is more important than ever to communicate clearly to your teams, workmen and partners on your progress, industry updates and expected completion dates, as they may frequently change. Without communication, in the past, many contractors have seen a breakdown in relationships that could've otherwise been beneficial and profitable for their businesses. It is vital to prioritise and stay on top of communication and cooperate to ensure the smooth running of site and remote work.
It Is Always Better to Work Together
If the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us anything as a company and individuals, it is that helping each other out and working together will always be more beneficial than trying to face challenges alone. You never know what solution could be derived or made easier with the help of others. So, if you find yourself struggling or faced with a problem that you think you may not be able to overcome, reach out to your colleagues and industry connections. You never know what response you will get!
Key Takeaways
Recent research carried out by Balfour Beatty, Kier and Mace suggests that firms must avoid slipping back into their old ways of working. There is no longer a focus on reverting to business-as-usual, but instead, a focus should be put on a 'lessons learned' review. To understand the changes made and ensure that the positive changes enforced throughout the pandemic are enforced in the future.
In conclusion, at QTD Ltd we have embedded the importance of planning, communication and flexibility into our business post-pandemic and are looking forward to working with clients who recognise the importance of this and have implemented the same.