Surviving Groundhog Day

By /

Julie A. Muller-Neff, Esq., Executive Vice-President, SMACNA-WW

In these times of restriction, social distance, and separation, the day-to-day can seem monotonous. Although I am sure most are staying positive and reaching out to others in business and in their personal lives, there is a sense of sameness about these times. We have our small bubbles, our reduced staffing, our modified social and business interaction schedule. It is almost like the 1993 Bill Murray film Groundhog Day in which our hero wakes up to the same exact day over and over again. Lucky for us, things aren’t as extreme, but there is no doubt our physical, emotional, and social health dramatically improves with variety and connection with others. With that in mind, I’d like to suggest some solid strategies for surviving Groundhog Day and making the most of every opportunity we have. 

Because of social distancing and capacity restrictions on venues, things like meetings, lunches, and Happy Hour are out of the question, but that doesn’t mean we can’t connect. Consider meeting friends or colleagues for a picnic at an open park or at a place like Burgermaster, where visitors can pull up, roll down the windows, and eat in the car while chatting between vehicles. 

For others, the gym, spin class, running group, or other fitness community is on hold for the moment, and that can be double trouble since being sedentary affects both physical and mental wellness. Luckily, so many fitness programs have pivoted to offer pre-recorded or live group and individual fitness classes, including weight training, yoga, pilates, and kickboxing. Look around for local fitness facilities that have taken their offerings online. If you’re feeling like the separation is taking away your zen, think about online mediation instruction—again, start by searching local listings to help support a Seattle area business. 

Of course, we are all Zoom-ing and connecting online, and though this keeps business running smoothly it can lead to a little online fatigue. If the idea of going online for leisure time after a day of staring at a screen seems like just a little too much, remember that heading outside for a walk, hopping on a bike, or curling up with a book are tried and tested ways to rebalance and reset when things feel drab. 

Although we have also had our share of battling repetition, your team at SMACNA-WW has been dedicated to its most important work—helping its members stay informed, educated, and connected during COVID-19. Over the summer, we held a Summer Webinar Series, which covered the PPP loan forgiveness process, quantifying the pandemic’s impact on productivity, leading and managing a remote workforce, improving cashflow, and pull planning for contractors. Over the Fall months we have promoted the SMACNA National’s Edge Conference, which was the virtual manifestation of the Annual National Conference. This Virtual Education Forum was our industry’s premier digital event offering attendees the opportunity to learn, network, and interact with service providers and suppliers. Watch the next issue for highlights from this event. 

We are currently working on a Winter Webinar Series that will be announced in the next couple of months. Like the summer series, the winter webinars will feature some of the industry’s most skilled speakers covering topics that are timely and relevant. Watch your email for an announcement coming soon. 

Carrie Heinrich, our operations manager, has been hard at work on our newest initiative—the SMACNA-Western Washington Supply Closet, which opened October 15. The Supply Closet is stocked with PPE, sanitizing, and cleaning products SMACNA-WW members need to keep their offices and job sites running smoothly and safely. These materials are now on offer, free of charge, in advance of flu season. Members are invited to go online and shop the closet with a limited number of items per member. Please email Carrie directly at cheinrich@smacnaww.org.

As a result of two committee meetings—the Women’s Committee and the Safety Committee—the association has developed an Education Initiative, which lists learning and childcare resources for members participating in online learning in the fall while balancing work in the construction industry. We invite members to peruse these resources, available on the SMACNA-WW website under the Resources tab, and reach out if there are any other resources you would like to see included. 

Even though the days may seem to blend together, know we are thinking of you all and of ways to best support you during this time. We know we can’t see you in person, but we are committed to keeping you updated and informed through these resources and initiatives. If you have any questions or comments, we are just a phone call or an email away. ▪