COVID-19 & BHE - Stay Safe!

COVID-19 & BHE - Stay Safe!

R&G Strategic Inc.May 06, 2020

 What we’re doing: We are staying open for business.

We are a completely remote team, so our aim is to stay isolated and keep up on our current production and update cycle. Our Learning Management System (LMS) is robust, and we have very few technical issues, and most of our communications with clients are automated. Customer Service inquiries (always in real-time) go to three people on the team. If the point person is unavailable, the second will respond, and so on. We will be reviewing all of our processes to identify any weak points that need shoring up. Nova Scotia is effectively shutting down to contain the spread of the virus. We are, as a team and as individuals, complying with all public health and safety directives.

Our online courses will not be affected by the slow down - you can take them any time you want. The Energy Advisor Mentoring program will continue as well, as that is also all online with the exception of two days of face-to-face training. We recommend mentors and candidates postpone face-to-face training until the threat from the virus subsides. Please take all precautions recommended by public health and safety. Stay well and keep others safe!

If you're a business owner in the residential construction industry, CHBA sent out this great summary of good biz practices:

COVID-19: BEST PRACTICES FOR BUSINESS OWNERS 

  

As more health and safety measures are put in place in response to COVID-19, businesses across the country are being affected. Below are some best practices for business owners to consider during the current pandemic as well as any future event.

  • Follow the Guidance of Health Authorities
  • Review your Contract(s)
  • Communicate with your Client(s)
  • Stay Informed About Government Measures to Help Businesses
Follow the Guidance of Health Authorities

Guidance from Health Authorities should inform your interactions with clients, subcontractors, and staff. We encourage you to monitor status and guidance updates from Health and Government Authorities, including:

Your health and safety, as well as the health and safety of everyone in your community, is paramount. Before making professional or personal decisions, review and consider the latest information and guidance available from Health Authorities.

Review your Contract(s)

All your contracts should have specific procedures documented to prepare you and your clients for situations that are out of your control (including Force Majeure events). For existing contracts, defer to the procedures you set in place. Those procedures should include your cancellation and rescheduling policies, as well as how you communicate with your clients regarding project timelines.

Going forward, if you do not already have illness/epidemics/pandemics and other examples explicitly listed under what constitutes as a Force Majeure event, you should consider including them to future contracts. 

Communicate with your Client(s)

The key during these challenging times is to communicate with your clients. Remind your clients that the priority for your company is their health and safety as well as the health and safety of your employees and subcontractors. Follow the procedures set out in your contract if you need to delay a project. Clearly communicate any change in milestones or delivery dates.

At this time, no one can know what the next few weeks will hold. Stay in contact with your client(s) and reassure them you are monitoring information coming from Health Authorities and will contact them when the situation changes.

Stay Informed About Government Measures to Help Businesses 

The federal government has announced measures to  that are affected by the pandemic, including:

  • Waiving the one-week waiting period for people who are in quarantine or have been directed to self-isolate and are claiming for Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits.
  • Enhancing the Work-Sharing Program to help employers who are experiencing a downturn in business due to COVID-19, and their workers. 
  • Supporting businesses should the economy experience tightening credit conditions, by acting swiftly to stimulate the economy by strengthening investment in federal lending agencies. In addition, flexible arrangements could be made for businesses trying to meet payment obligations to the Canada Revenue Agency.

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