Page 6 - D16489 - LBMAO - Jul-Aug-2020 REPORTER - web optimized

Message from the PRESIDENT

working from home will be

the new normal

david campbell n the past couple of weeks we have mailed to home, and the potential cost savings of not having
LBMAO President Iall our members the proposal to the Standing large offices to accommodate them, we will see a
Committee on Finance (federal) recommending they transition from the daily office commute to working
consider a Home Renovation Tax Credit as one of the from our home offices.
tools to use towards a recovery plan over the next This pandemic will have a long reaching impact
few years. As we move more into a recovery stage on how we conduct our lives as we adapt to the new
from the pandemic, it will be critical to focus on debt reality. Salespeople on the road will find that retailers
reduction. will not have the time nor will they wish to conduct
The new normal will be the standard as we move business on a face-to-face basis. Sales calls using
forward and all of us will be affected by the impact social media and other means of communication will
of the pandemic. Physical distancing, become the norm, working from your home office.
"As business and wearing face masks, gathering in our Robust internet will be in demand in those areas of
own “bubbles” and smaller gatherings Ontario that do not presently have good internet
other sectors to help reduce the spread of the service. Suppliers will be assessing their office
recognize the COVID-19 virus will be with us for the requirements as many employees will work from
foreseeable future. home on a permanent basis. Productivity working
benefits of We have been fortunate in our from home will be measured and assessed as to how
sector to enjoy strong sales and efficient employees are in their home office; and we
employees working profitability. A shortage of the supply will see software programs developed to help gauge
from home, and of commodity lumber demonstrates the amount of time employees are contributing to
that the demand is there; however, for their work schedule.
the potential cost how long remains to be seen. Wages in the health care, social services and other
Profitability is trending upwards
savings of not having as retailers can demand a higher price areas that are considered essential will increase
as they should. A Personal Support Worker (PSW)
large offices to for those commodities but also sales working in a long-term care facility has shown
in the other areas of the business such that they are more valuable and should be paid
accommodate them, as paint, paint sundries, renovations, much higher than minimum wage. The Provincial
we will see a new tools etc. have been strong which Government will have to consider how to recognize
helps as they tend to be higher margin their contributions and ensure that they are paid
transition from the categories. Much of the demand is adequately. Possibly looking at a tiered minimum
daily office commute driven by consumers who have not lost wage scale that recognizes those who contribute to
jobs; or are on government assistance
society in a means that help protect our health and
to working from our plans such as the Canadian Emergency lives.
Response Benefit (CERB) and who have “The times they are a changing” and we will see
home offices." the time and financial resources to do more intrusion from government in our lives so we
those projects around the home. The need to ensure that any legislation that removes our
wage subsidy for businesses to keep basic freedoms of expression and movement is well
employees working has also contributed to providing thought out and reversible. Having to wear masks
the income to use towards upgrades on their homes makes sense but, at such a time that we no longer
as well. require them, our elected officials need to ensure
Many suppliers’ sales staff are working from that such a restriction is removed in a timely manner.
home; and the business, social service, health and Good governance and an engaged electorate are
government sectors have moved employees to more important now than they have been since the
a home working environment. It is too early to Second World War.
determine the effect this will have on demographics Keep safe and enjoy the balance of summer!
and real estate. As business and other sectors
recognize the benefits of employees working from
6 LBMAO Reporter - July-August 2020 www.lbmao.on.ca