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

  • NSAA Apprenticeship Management System (AMS) is Now Available

    NSAA Apprenticeship Management System (AMS) is Now Available

    June 19, 2026 NSAA has now launched the Apprenticeship Management System (AMS) to provide a faster, easier, and more transparent way for apprentices and employers to manage apprenticeship activity. For Apprentices, Apprenticeship Management System will allow you to:  For Employers, with Apprenticeship Management System, you will be able to:  For Tradespersons Your launch of Apprenticeship… Read More…

  • IP Ratings in Lighting: What They Actually Mean in the Field

    IP Ratings in Lighting: What They Actually Mean in the Field

    By CSC LED IP ratings are among the most frequently referenced specifications in lighting, yet they are often misunderstood or oversimplified. While they may appear to be just another number on a specification sheet, IP ratings play an important role in determining where a fixture can be installed and how it will perform over time.… Read More…

  • The Role of Offshore Sourcing: An Editorial Perspective for Manufacturers, Distributors, Agents, Contractors, and Industry Stakeholders

    The Role of Offshore Sourcing: An Editorial Perspective for Manufacturers, Distributors, Agents, Contractors, and Industry Stakeholders

    The real divide is not domestic versus offshore. It is between committed, accountable partners and transactional, price‑only players. The CSA mark sits inside that story as one important signal but it is only a subset of what the market should be looking at. Read More…

  • Alberta OHS Code Review

    Alberta OHS Code Review

    June 15, 2026 Albertans are invited to provide feedback for Alberta’s ongoing review of Alberta’s OHS Code. Complete the surveys by July 8. Albertans are invited to participate in our ongoing review of the Occupational Health and Safety Code (OHS Code). This is an opportunity to improve health and safety outcomes for workers and streamline… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • AEMC® Instruments welcomes Mark Stathenas as Authorized Factory Representative for Eastern Canada

    AEMC® Instruments welcomes Mark Stathenas as Authorized Factory Representative for Eastern Canada

    June 19, 2026 AEMC® Instruments, part of the Chauvin Arnoux Group® welcomes Mark Stathenas as Authorized Factory Representative for Eastern Canada.  Mark will serve as your primary point of contact for product information, technical support, and order coordination in the Eastern Canada region. With over two decades of experience in technical sales, distribution and business development, Mark brings a… Read More…

  • BCCA Response to Investment Announcement

    BCCA Response to Investment Announcement

    June 19, 2026 Statement from BCCA: The British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) welcomes today’s joint announcement by the federal and provincial governments to invest in housing, infrastructure, healthcare, and public transit across British Columbia, including funding to reduce Development Cost Charges (DCCs). These investments will help support the infrastructure needed to enable new housing and… Read More…

  • ECAO Recognition of Safety Achievement Award Recipients

    ECAO Recognition of Safety Achievement Award Recipients

    June 15, 2026 ECAO is proud to recognize the recipients of their Recognition of Safety Achievement Award. This award honours member companies that demonstrate exceptional commitment to workplace safety through outstanding safety performance and a strong culture of prevention. The Recognition of Safety Achievement Award celebrates organizations that maintain injury and illness statistics below the… Read More…

  • ECS Announces the Promotion of Jeff Bartlette to Branch Manager, Winnipeg

    ECS Announces the Promotion of Jeff Bartlette to Branch Manager, Winnipeg

    June 15, 2026 ECS is pleased to announce the promotion of Jeff Bartlette to Branch Manager, Winnipeg. Jeff joined ECS with a mandate to establish the company’s presence in Manitoba. Having successfully balanced both sales and leadership responsibilities, he will now focus fully on developing his team, strengthening branch capabilities, and positioning Winnipeg for continued… Read More…