How engineers can manage work influxes in 2022

Engineering projects are experiencing staffing increases in 2022 as COVID-19 restrictions lift and funding from Biden’s $1 trillion infrastructure bill comes in to help the nation build better roads, transportation, bridges and increase access to clean drinking water. The bill also includes $25 billion for airport construction and $7.5 billion for electric vehicles, which is a huge plus!

Although the increase in work and jobs is positive for Utah’s growing economy, it’s important to still maintain a positive and safe work environment with a great sense of work-life balance. Here’s how engineers can manage work influxes in 2022.

1. Prioritize projects

When engineering and construction professionals are out on the job, they’re constantly prioritizing the most important tasks and eliminating the rest.

Every employee should regularly assess their bandwidth to avoid taking on new projects for which they have no mental or physical space. If you’re on the job in Utah, there’s a good chance you’ll be working on expanding public transportation, creating affordable housing and rebuilding infrastructure that’s at risk for natural disasters.

2. Create a safe work environment

People work better and more efficiently in a safe work environment. When you’re on the job or checking up on your co-workers at a job site, check to see that the space is up to safety standards and codes. If the space is not up to standard, be sure to report the incident immediately to ensure the space is cleaned up in a timely manner.

Also, remember to wear any necessary gear on job sites and bring an extra N95 mask with you just in case. You never know which job sites or companies are still enforcing mask-wearing.

3. Connect with like-minded professionals

The best way to understand what you need to be working on and plan for your career to head in the right direction is to network with other like-minded individuals in your industry. When you’re connecting with others who have been in your shoes, it’s likely they can help you make decisions or give feedback about prioritizing tasks.

We recommend investing in an ACEC Utah Membership if you haven’t already. When you become a member, you’ll gain access to relevant monthly workshops, networking events, and training. You won’t want to miss out on upcoming events like the 2022 Convention &. Legislative Summit. Be sure to sign up early to receive a spot!

We hope this blog was helpful and assists you in navigating your workload and career trajectory. To learn more about ACEC Utah, please call 801-657-4470 or email [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!