Pandemics and Construction Productivity: Quantifying the Imact on the U.S Economy

ElectriInternational logo 400

A pandemic can have far reaching impacts on the U.S. economy. Companies in once successful industries across the United States have felt the immediate impact of the current pandemic in the most devastating ways.

Early measurements of the impact of this pandemic suggest that construction productivity has been impacted by nearly 20%. A rule of thumb for self-performing contractors is that a 10% impact on productivity results in a 100% impact on profitability. As such, contractors need to consider seriously the impact of this study on their profitability and seek equitable adjustments that adequately compensate them for the impact.

This study is divided into three distinct sections:

  •  Part I – Pandemic Mitigation Tracking – specifically quantifies hours associated with preventative measures such as training, health screenings, cleaning and disinfecting, job site access and administration instituted to minimize exposure.
  •  Part II – Productivity Benchmarking – specifically quantifies the reduction in direct work productivity related to social distancing rules, staggered shifts, reduced crew sizes, increased personal protective equipment requirements and related job site regulations.
  • Part III – Business and Project Impacts – specifically quantifies ancillary impacts experienced by most 

Pandemics and Construction Productivity Report – Initial Findings

COVID-19 has had substantial impacts on many segments of construction and contractors have limited tools to measure the effects this is having on their businesses. This webinar shares the findings of a 5 week intensive ELECTRI research study that shows productivity impacts measuring pre and post pandemic results due to new safety requirements. This webinar also introduces tools to identify and quantify impacts on productivity that will serve as a starting point for negotiations.

Learn more here.

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • How ABB’s Hi-Tech Valiant™ Current Limiting Fuse for Fire Mitigation Impacts Safety & Reliability, Protecting the Environment & Critical Infrastructure

    How ABB’s Hi-Tech Valiant™ Current Limiting Fuse for Fire Mitigation Impacts Safety & Reliability, Protecting the Environment & Critical Infrastructure

    March 13, 2025 By Blake Marchand Discussing the Hi-Tech Valiant™ Fuse for Fire Mitigation with ABB’s Dominique Tardif There has been increased awareness on the impact of forest fires in recent years, as wildfire seasons have intensified in North America. We recently saw devastating fires in California, and in Canada, statistics show that each year wildfire seasons… Read More…

  • EFC Tariff Update Hub

    EFC Tariff Update Hub

    March 13, 2025 EFC’s Tarrif Update Hub provides a centralized location for EFC actions, government advocacy, and key industry resources regarding the ongoing tariff situation between Canada and the United States. Designed to keep EFC members aligned and ahead of developments, check back for updates and insights to help you navigate the evolving landscape. EFC… Read More…

  • International Women’s Day 2025: Advancing Equity in the Skilled Trades

    International Women’s Day 2025: Advancing Equity in the Skilled Trades

    March 13, 2025 On March 8, 2025, CAF-FCA celebrates International Women’s Day (IWD) by reaffirming our commitment to breaking barriers and advancing opportunities for women and equity-priority groups in the skilled trades. This year’s theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” is a powerful call to action—one that aligns with our efforts to… Read More…

  • EFC is Proud to Recognize March 8 as International Women’s Day

    EFC is Proud to Recognize March 8 as International Women’s Day

    March 13, 2025 By Electro-Federation Canada Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively for #IWD2025 we can all #AccelerateAction. Focusing on the need to Accelerate Action emphasizes the importance of taking swift… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • Canada Invests in Deep Energy Retrofits for Affordable Housing in Hamilton

    Canada Invests in Deep Energy Retrofits for Affordable Housing in Hamilton

    March 13, 2025 There is a need and an opportunity for Canada to strengthen energy security and affordability for all Canadians. Canada’s buildings sector is the third-largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions across the country. By increasing the scale and pace of building retrofits, we can make homes and buildings more energy-efficient and improve reliability in units.  The federal… Read More…

  • Tesla Products Excluded from BC Hydro Incentive Program

    Tesla Products Excluded from BC Hydro Incentive Program

    March 13, 2025 CBC has reported that BC Hydro is excluding Tesla products from their EV charger incentive program. However, products purchased prior to March 12 will still be eligible. “As of March 12, Tesla chargers, energy storage batteries and inverters are not eligible for rebates, according to B.C. Hydro. Those who have purchased or… Read More…

  • Acuity Rebrands and Introduces New Corporate Identity

    Acuity Rebrands and Introduces New Corporate Identity

    March 13, 2025 Acuity Brands, Inc.’s corporate name is changing from Acuity Brands, Inc. to Acuity Inc. effective March 26, 2025. Acuity will continue to operate through two business segments, Acuity Brands Lighting (ABL) and Acuity Intelligent Spaces (AIS), formerly Intelligent Spaces Group (ISG). They will continue trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “AYI”. “Acuity is positioned for long term growth…. Read More…

  • IDEAL Electrical™ Unveils Fresh, Modern Brand Identity

    IDEAL Electrical™ Unveils Fresh, Modern Brand Identity

    March 7, 2025 IDEAL Electrical was the first company to obtain a patent to make and sell wire connectors in the United States 96 years ago this month – and today IDEAL® announces a modern look for the brand, which captures the company’s spirit of relentless innovation and the optimistic future of the electrical trade. … Read More…