One Voice
PERMANENT CHANGE
Many of our new protocols may become standard operations in the future—and that can be good! THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS of the COVID-19 pandemic are still years away from being understood and documented, but the short-term impacts have already begun to show. From an industry perspective, jobsites have changed. Whether you’re constructing new homes in a subdivision or a condo tower, or renovating an occupied home, the current need for registering and screening before entering the site will likely become a standard health and safety practice. With the enhancements of COVID protocols, evolving government restrictions and the need to keep everyone safe and informed, communication across the range of contractors, colleagues, employees and clients has never been more important. ohba.ca
@onhomebuilder
30% OF OHBA MEMBERS HAVE ADDRESSED MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE. It has also become increasingly vital for contracts to include clear language that can address future COVID-like situations, where government lockdowns or restrictions result in delays or frustrations. It helps put everyone on the same page during challenging times. While in the pre-COVID world, urban amenities like restaurants, parks, theatres and sports venues served as the
living rooms for condominium residents, as record new-home sales in the low-rise category attest, one short-term impact of COVID has been a move from urban condo living to suburban housing. The move to work-from-home combined with stay-at-home orders clearly fuelled the trend. It should also be noted that rental vacancy rates are climbing, as rental rates are down across many urban centres. The need for more space to accommodate home offices and shared living with family members, meanwhile, has created demand for more space, explaining the incredible renovation demand. But there may be long-term impacts too. For many, a business model that includes staff working from home has resulted in lower productivity, resulting in the need for more staff to get the job done. This, along with managing ongoing supply-chain delays, has added to ongoing stress for many. Fortunately, talking about mental health is now a normal and necessary part of our business and personal conversations. COVID has had an impact on mental health, but the stigma around mental health has been replaced with a recognition that it’s not a weakness but a reality. As the survey (p. 43) in this edition of OHB magazine reports, approximately 30% of OHBA members have addressed mental health in the workplace. Considering the construction culture, that’s a remarkable response! We’ve also all benefited from Bell’s “Let’s Talk” campaign, initiatives by Enbridge and the ongoing Ontario government focus on mental health—all of which will have long-term positive effects. COVID has forced changed on our businesses, our communities—even ourselves, but this change can be channelled to create lasting important improvements. Be Positive. Stay Safe. Be Kind. OHB
JOE VACCARO IS THE CEO OF THE ONTARIO HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION
ONTARIO HOME BUILDER EARLY SPRING 2021
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