Mental health awareness is gaining momentum, especially in construction, where high stress, long hours, and physical demands create significant challenges. Workers in this industry face unique pressures, including physically intense tasks, tight deadlines, rising costs, and dangerous conditions. This mix often leads to heightened stress, anxiety, burnout, decreased productivity, and compromised safety if left unaddressed. … Continue reading Mental Health in Construction: Building a Resilient Workforce
Year: 2024
New DOL Guide Tackles Harassment and Discrimination in Construction Workplaces
In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Executive Order 11246 through the U.S. Department of Labor, prohibiting employment discrimination in federal contracts based on race, religion, or national origin. In 1967, the order was amended to include protections based on sex and gender. On November 21, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal … Continue reading New DOL Guide Tackles Harassment and Discrimination in Construction Workplaces
Navigating Construction Industry Training (CIT) Funding Reimbursement: A Step-by-Step Guide
The construction industry and the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) understand the importance of maintaining qualified employees in the construction workforce. Better trained and more qualified workers produce a higher quality product. Experienced workers retire and skilled people to replace them are difficult to find. As a result, training employees working on Iowa DOT let … Continue reading Navigating Construction Industry Training (CIT) Funding Reimbursement: A Step-by-Step Guide
Gratitude in the Workplace
One of the biggest questions that companies and organizations face is how to show more appreciation for employees. Most companies and organizations recognize the many benefits. Appreciation and gratitude have been associated with: Increased work engagement and better performance (Lee, Bradburn, Johnson, Lin, & Chang, 2019). Improved team creativity (Pillay, Park, Kim, & Lee, 2020). … Continue reading Gratitude in the Workplace
Selected Small Business Mentor Protégé Programs
Mentor-protégé programs offer numerous benefits to both mentors and protégés. These programs are designed to foster the development of small businesses by pairing them with experienced mentors who can provide guidance, support, and valuable resources. For protégés, the benefits include increased access to government contracting opportunities, enhanced business development, and improved technical and management skills. … Continue reading Selected Small Business Mentor Protégé Programs
Q&A with Chris Thach
Q&A with Chris Thach Role: Information Technology Q: Tell me about your job and how it contributes to the overall goals of CIRAS to help companies prosper. I help everyone who interacts with companies be more efficient and accurate when accomplishing the tasks they need to do. Q: What skills or experiences have prepared you … Continue reading Q&A with Chris Thach
Important Capabilities Statement Updates and Trends
It’s everyone’s favorite time of the year again…the time of year to start thinking about refreshing your capabilities statement, of course! A capabilities statement is a one-page document that is completely focused on marketing your business to a government agency as a potential client. It neatly summarizes who you are, what products and/or services you … Continue reading Important Capabilities Statement Updates and Trends
9th Annual CIRAS Holiday Gift List
One of our favorite times of the year is here! ‘Tis the season to remind everybody that there are awesome Iowa-made products to give as gifts! 1. Perfect for a winter home makeover! Custom quartz countertops from Quartz Impressions add elegance and durability, transforming any kitchen or bathroom. 2. Pamper your furry friends with a … Continue reading 9th Annual CIRAS Holiday Gift List
Q&A with John Michel
Q&A with John Michel Role: Government Contracting Specialist Q: Tell me about your job and how it contributes to the overall goals of CIRAS to help companies prosper. I am referred to as a Government Contract Specialist, however, I feel counselor is more appropriate for what we do on the APEX Accelerator team. The reason … Continue reading Q&A with John Michel
Iowa OSHA On-Site Consultation Program
The Iowa OSHA Consultation Program offers small – and medium-sized businesses top priority to use this no cost consultation service. The OSHA consultants can help employers reduce their injury and illness rates and help lower the workers’ compensation rates by assisting employers improve their safety and health management system. Most importantly though, Consultation can help … Continue reading Iowa OSHA On-Site Consultation Program