September in Focus:

Re-Assess, Recalibrate, Re-Commit

Contributions by: Diane Jolicoeur  

For much of the construction industry, summer can bring long days, packed schedules, and an intensity to keep projects moving during warmer weather conditions. As the fall approaches, things don’t necessarily slow down – but a shift in mindset is common.

September creates an opportunity to assess where we are so we can finish the year strong and build on what’s been accomplished so far. It’s a time to recalibrate priorities, and re-commit to what really matters: people, safety, and engagement.

Why September Matters in Construction

September is more than just a change in weather. It’s a chance to reflect on how teams are working together, how work is taking shape, and how we can create the kind of environment where people want to do their best work.

Construction is a team-driven industry. Whether on the jobsite or in the office – projects depend on crews, subcontractors, suppliers, and clients working together in a constructive way, toward a shared goal.

It’s an ideal time to pause and ask: Are we working as effectively as we could? Are we supporting each other in ways that strengthen – not strain – our outcomes?

Why September Matters for Individuals

September is an opportunity for individuals to reset personally and professionally.

After both the demands (and delights) of summer, it’s worth asking:

• What have I learned?
• Where can I improve?
• What do I still want to accomplish before the year ends?
• What skills or habits could make my workday easier and safer?
• Are there ways to strengthen my communication, time management, or leadership abilities?

Construction is demanding work, so reconnecting with purpose and reflecting on why you do what you do – whether it’s pride in your craft, supporting your family, or contributing to your community – can renew motivation.

From apprentices to experienced tradespeople, to leaders – everyone can use this time to:

• Assess personal goals or set new ones. Whatever they may be, September is an ideal time to recommit to one’s growth and their goals.
• Invest in training and development of a current or new skill to strengthen career trajectory. There are many online courses offered that make training more accessible and easier to fit into a busy day.
• Refresh a safety mindset and focus on protocols, to ensure everyone goes home safe at the end of a workday.
• For supervisors and managers: lead by listening. It’s a good time to ask your team members, “What’s working for you? Where do you need support?” Opening dialogue demonstrates respect and strengthens engagement.

This isn’t about reinventing yourself; it’s about building on what’s working and strengthening those areas that have room for improvement. A refreshed focus can help individuals finish the year stronger than they started.

Why September Matters to Teams

While individual commitment is powerful, a new season also offers a chance to bring teams together. It’s an opportunity for leaders and crews to strengthen rapport and re-establish shared priorities:

• Re-align on goals: Ensure everyone is clear on key deliverables, safety priorities, and expectations for the months ahead. A united team works more efficiently and with fewer conflicts.
• Revisit how you communicate: Good communication is the backbone of any strong team. Consider how information flows – from daily toolbox talks to feedback on performance.
• Recognize achievements: Celebrate those summer accomplishments to build morale and reinforce the behaviours you want to see carried forward.
• Encourage Psychological Safety in the Workplace: When workers feel safe to speak up – whether it’s reporting a safety concern or suggesting a better way of doing things – teams thrive. Make it clear that every voice matters and is respected.

Teams that pause to reset together tend to handle the coming months with greater resilience and connection.

Why September Matters to Workplace Culture

Workplace culture develops, intentionally or not, and may not be aligned with the company’s intentions if the tone for a positive environment is not clearly demonstrated and communicated by its leadership.

Workplace culture isn’t a “soft” issue – it’s a strategic one. Teams that trust each other and share common values perform better. They adapt quicker to change, deliver higher quality, and have lower turnover. In an industry where skilled workers are hard to find, the culture of a company can be a key differentiator in retaining and attracting talent.

September is the perfect time to assess and reinforce the kind of workplace culture you want – one where people feel safe, respected, and supported, and where Psychological Safety is a shared responsibility.

Take advantage of the free Builders Code Scorecard as an excellent tool to assess and find solutions for your workplace culture.

Ideas to Strengthen Workplace Culture in September

1. Host a toolbox talk that focuses on psychological safety: Dedicate a morning meeting to discussing how the team works together, not just about the tasks at hand. Ask: What’s working? What’s not?
2. Pair up Mentors and new workers: Knowledge transfer builds skills and trust. More experienced workers can share their knowledge while newer ones bring fresh perspective. Visit Building Builders for guidance on implementing mentorship into your workplace.
3. Celebrate Success: Acknowledge when individuals or teams overcome challenges or meet critical milestones — recognition boosts engagement.
4. Revisit workplace values: Whether it’s safety, respect, quality, or integrity – ensure values aren’t just posted on the wall, they’re reflected in daily actions.
5. Conduct one on one check-ins: Leaders should take time to ask the members of their team what’s working for them and what support they may need. A five-minute conversation can have tremendous impact on a workers sense of value.
6. Invest in the training and development of your team members – both in skills and professionalism. Builders Code offers numerous courses to facilitate learning on professional conduct, leadership and professional development.
7. Explore avenues to support your workers’ well-being such as implementing, or sharing the benefits of, an Employee Assistance program; conducting workshops on stress management; having conversations on mental health and reducing stigma; promoting work/life balance; or hosting team-building activities.

(Visit BCCA Employee Benefit Trust | BC Construction Association for more information on implementing benefits for your workers.)

Moving Forward this Fall

September is more than just a date on the calendar. It provides a fresh mindset – a chance to focus on people as much as on projects, and to create an environment where everyone feels respected, included, and engaged.

This fall, take one step as an individual, and one as a team. When we take the time to invest in ourselves and each other, we don’t just construct buildings – we create workplaces that encourage growth and satisfaction – a workplace people are proud to be a part of. A timely and worthwhile focus for September.