It’s finally here: The last month of 2020. We’ve all been waiting for this, haven’t we?
This past year has been a tough one for many. We’ve had to deal with a global pandemic, stay-at-home orders, business shutdowns for weeks or months, and a struggling economy.
The plumbing industry wasn’t exempt. Companies had to adjust to office employees working from home, laying off staff because of slow business, and finding new ways to work (wearing masks and other personal protective equipment).
Both small and large business owners had to adjust, learn and adapt as the year went on because of the ever-changing pandemic and various state guidelines and mandates.
This year brought extraordinary changes that you might not have dealt with before, but you should still learn from them. If a company owner and its staff can’t adapt to change, they won’t make it very long in this industry.
What are some things you can take with you into 2021?
Stay Calm, Don’t Stress
Changes happen all the time, whether it be additions and losses to your staff, or new competitors moving in or out of your area, and you have to be ready to roll with the punches. It won’t do anyone any good if you get stressed out and fall apart. The owner and staff need to pull together and help each other.
Be Ready for Anything
What happens if one or more of your plumbers leave the company? You should have a plan for such events. Having a list of possible candidates to fill positions — gathered from previous openings — is a solid way to plan for staff leaving. If you can’t do that, at least have a job ad ready to go out at a moment’s notice.
Have a Plan
If there is one thing this year has taught us, it is to have a plan. You never know when business will slow down or pick up. It can happen without much notice. Having a plan in place will give you direction on what to do in different situations such as having people work from home, adjusting schedules, adding staff. Winging it all can be scary and can lead to confusion for you and your staff.
Be Flexible
Another thing to take from this year: the ability to be flexible. Things will change at a moment’s notice sometimes and having the ability to adjust on the fly is valuable for everyone at the company. Learn to take those changes in stride and grow from them.
HEADING INTO 2021
There are a few things you should definitely take from 2020 with you into 2021. The first is many companies changed the way they worked, ensuring face coverings were worn, gloves, different uniforms, etc. This should be something that is carried on.
You don’t know what type of working atmosphere you or your plumbers will be heading into from job to job. Even when this pandemic is over, you might want to consider requiring at least the gloves and full overall uniforms to be worn on all job sites to keep them safe. I know it might not be the most popular opinion, but just think of everything your crews work around.
WHAT’S AHEAD FOR YOU?
As we prepare to exit 2020, I’d like to hear what your company’s plans are for 2021. Email me at editor@plumbermag.com or call 715-350-8436.
Enjoy this issue!
