Canadian HR Reporter

www.hrreporter.com 21 had to be OK with correcting it." On the compensation side, planning has been tough. The company did carry out layoffs and brought most people back, but it didn't provide across-the- board salary increases in 2020 and, as of January, was not yet sure of its plans for 2021. "It's hard to plan. We feel thankful and fortunate that we've kept operating, but we're not out of the woods. So, we're cautious but optimistic," says Langille. Communications take centre stage Like many, the construction firm put out a steady stream of communication, especially at the start of the pandemic with all the new restrictions. That also meant keeping union representatives up to date on any changes. But it was also about two-way communication, she says. "[It was about] being constantly available for the questions that would come up because we're all trying to figure it out together… Those were some of the key leadership messages." The CEO also held weekly team meetings where anyone could connect with him privately to ask questions, which was well received, says Langille. Lindsay Construction also set up an emergency response team comprised of HR, a regional director, the COO, director of safety and quality and director of construction to consult with other teams and communicate out decisions and solutions. That was because often a situation would arise in one region that was similar to another — such as an issue around COVID exposure — so the same issues didn't have to be dealt with over and over. " That worked out pretty well for us and for the employee asking the question or voicing the concern. It's the first time probably that they have come across [the issue], but for our team, it wasn't… We already had our decision-making framework in place," she says. The company has also had a lot of conversations around employees struggling during the pandemic and "reminding folks to be mindful of that when they're interacting with their employees… especially if folks are virtual, how important checkins are — someone might not be OK just because "[It was about] being constantly available for the questions that would come up because we're all trying to figure it out together… Those were some of the key leadership messages." Angela Langille, Lindsay Construction Recognize Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) expertise in your organization through a BCRSP certification Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals Conseil Canadien Des Professionnels En Sécurité Agréés The Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) ® certification is designed for individuals leading or managing OHS systems and programs. They have in-depth knowledge of OHS principles and practices and apply broad based safety knowledge to analyze and develop systems that will achieve optimum control over hazards and exposures detrimental to people, equipment, material and the environment. The Canadian Registered Safety Technician (CRST) certification is designed for individuals supporting a safe working environment by maintaining OHS administrative processes, conducting training, and using a range of state-of-the- art tools, processes, and common practice solutions to occupational health and safety risks. They oversee and drive monitoring and compliance in relation to technical and behavioral risk controls. Certifications for the OHS profession The BCRSP is a public interest, not-for-profit certification body dedicated to the principles of health and safety in Canada. It develops comprehensive certification programs for OHS practitioners, including the Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) ® and Canadian Registered Safety Technician (CRST) certifications. Certification makes a difference! Visit www.bcrsp.ca to learn more about eligibility and examination requirements for the CRSP ® and CRST certification programs. Visit www.bcrsp.ca to find out more BCRSP_BCRSP_Promo_HRMag_Mar21.indd 1 BCRSP_BCRSP_Promo_HRMag_Mar21.indd 1 2021-03-03 3:33:45 PM 2021-03-03 3:33:45 PM

• Cover