2020 was a year for the history books. We never could have imagined what and how much has happened this year.
From the summer bushfires and heat waves to COVID-19 and the lockdowns (which could easily happen again), the start of this new decade has pushed us to our limits.
It’s hard to comprehend the real extent of loss, as this dual crisis propelled us into a recession – the first in over 30 years. Millions of businesses spent a good part of the year dormant due to the lockdowns, and sadly, some will never reopen.
Being adaptable & flexible
A lot of lessons came out these months. We were reminded of the importance of being adaptable and resilient. That often, business (and life) doesn’t always go the way we planned. Being resistant to change would have put us in a tougher position this year, like it has with other industries.
It’s a great reminder of remaining open and flexible, embracing change. Having the strategic flexibility to think outside the box, stretch our limits, and be willing to adapt and shift things around.
As structural engineers, we spend our days in the ‘risk’ headspace. Our business is all about helping other mitigate risk, reduce safety issues, and encourage longevity. So, the way we think and approach the construction industry undoubtedly helped us during this time.
Supporting our clients & community
A key part in successfully navigating this challenging time was listening to our clients. They required safety and security, more than ever before. After all, being structural engineers in Adelaide, we’re in the safety business.
We turned our attention to the needs of our clients and community, while paying attention to the trends that are always evolving. For example, with more people at home, this sparked a DIY projects boom. While this was good news, there was another side to the story – the structural issues that soon arose with DIY projects (and untrained homeowners).
With this in mind, we were able to offer professional advice for clients and the wider community. Thankfully in South Australia, we only faced short lockdowns and flexible social distancing regulations, which made it possible to continue to offer on-site appointments.
Streamlining systems & procedures
We take the safety suggestions extremely seriously and took actions like offering Zoom meetings, work from home flexibility, hand sanitiser stations, and of course, no handshaking.
All our internal systems and procedures were updated, where we saw fit, to comply with the safety and hygiene regulations. It was fast responses, tweaking parts of our business model that allowed Solution for Construction to keep serving and supporting clientele. These are strategies we’ll take with us into the new year and beyond.
For more information about how our Adelaide structural engineers can help you, book a free 20-minute consultation with Naveesh.
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