The COVID-19 pandemic put pressures on building service contractors like they have never experienced before. Companies like Supreme Maintenance Organization have had to respond to increased demand for their services, staffing and hiring challenges, and ever-changing regulations. The difficulties of the past year either exposed problems within BSC organizations or made them stronger and better-equipped for the future.
Supreme Maintenance Organization's Vice President of Operations, Gary L. Collins answered a few questions about how his company responded to the challenges of 2020 and how they have affected the future of his business.
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How have the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic improved your organization?
It has certainly honed our ability to response to crisis. Customers were calling daily seeking solutions to their specific situation. We have seen a multitude of Team Members step up in a big way to handle these additional needs so it has further established the excellent leaders and workers within our organization.
Communication has also been improved as daily communication of accurate information was paramount to responding to our customer’s needs. Our HR Department is second to none, and the pandemic solidified their superiority by working hard daily, handling the quarantine dilemmas and FFCRA. And finally, the relationships with our supply chains and the ability to get the necessary PPE and disinfectants strengthened as items became scarce; our company was able to secure the products needed.
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What changes designed to address COVID-19 will become a normal part of facility operations?
It is our hope that our customers will not lose sight of the importance of a clean and healthy facility. We were viewed as essential workers and our customers expressed appreciation for our expertise in cleaning and disinfecting. Cleaning and disinfecting touch points has been an emphasis for SMO for many years, and it is now recognized as being a crucial part of a clean and healthy facility. Available PPE, hand-washing, sanitizing, advanced technologies and electrostatic equipment will continue to play an important role in keeping facilities clean and building tenants safe and healthy.
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How has Supreme Maintenance Organization addressed the staffing challenges of the past year?
First of all, we did not enforce any layoffs. We knew that if we laid off quality team members, they would be very difficult to replace. In the midst of the pandemic, we maintained our regular practice of interviewing and hiring, especially as the opportunities for electrostatic spraying and responding to positive reported cases increased our workload. Human Resources had a “no days off” mentality and did whatever it took to make sure that we had the labor necessary.
Moving forward, due to the various stimulus checks and increased unemployment benefits, some candidates are making more money staying at home than they would going to work. This has created many challenges. We have ramped up our HR department with 3 new positions as well as increased our referral program and pay rates, when possible. Getting workforce will continue to be a challenge, but keeping team members engaged and loyal is the key.
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What has you excited about the future of BSC?
We are looking forward to the “new normal." While the “everyday crisis” showed off our strengths, we would like to settle back into a sense of normalcy. We feel like our industry has finally gotten the respect we deserve and our communities understand the purpose we serve in keeping them and their families safe and healthy.
We think the future is bright indeed, and we will continue to be regarded as a vital part of anyone’s operations. If we ever experience another pandemic (I hope we do not), we are prepared and confident that we can be there for our customers.
To learn more about Supreme Maintenance Organization and to schedule a free quote, fill out the form on their website or call 1-800-717-4766.
