Part 1. Fatigue

Given enough time, almost anything can lead to fatigue. Mark Richardson says the environment we are in right now has also created this for many remodeling companies. You’re not taking vacations, you’re not taking time outs--this concept of “living at work” resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic has changed what a normal work week should be. “Regardless how many hours you’re putting in, there’s a level of fatigue and weight that not only you are experiencing, but also by others,” says Mark.

While it seems a little scary, what everyone is experiencing right now is akin to a war. The pandemic has allowed for a lot of uncertainties, prompting the question, “How long will this go on?” As you set about winning your battles during this war, you’ll want to make sure you’re ALSO dealing with the fatigue this creates. This way, you can go through it and come out more successful. Mark shares a few pointers:

1. As a leader, you need to address that fatigue.

2. It’s important to be empathetic.

3. Always communicate.

4. Take inventory of your time and activities.

5. Mix it up--change your work patterns.

6. Put intense focus on the short-term, but still keep in mind the long-term.

7. Change the expectations.

8. Force your people to take some time off so they can recharge.

9. Be creative in the way you work in this current environment.

10. Pace yourself.

Part 2. Interview with Erika Taylor, Director of Content for Professional Remodeler

This section of the podcast sees Mark interviewing Erika Taylor, Director of Content for Professional Remodeler and Remodeling Mastery Thought Leader. Fresh from the Women in Residential Construction Conference where she was a host, Erika comments on the effectiveness of translating an event like this to the online format. “We really can make the transition from in-person to online successfully as COVID continues. It just takes different types of effort and different ways of thinking about it.” Erika also feels optimistic because the numbers of women in the remodeling industry are rising, and the women that are there are gaining their footing in ways she hasn’t seen in the past.

Join Mark and Erika as they provide further insight about the increasing presence of women in the remodeling trade and the changes this brings.