Lifting objects is a necessary part of many jobs, but it’s easy for employees to develop bad habits that can harm their backs and put them out of commission. According to a September OSHA report on back disorders and injuries, as one of the leading causes of disability for workers, back injuries can develop over time from long-term repetitive activity or result from a single mishap.
The year-end is a time for reflection, and planning for 2026 is already starting. The Gallup Q12 engagement survey measures employees' connection to their workplace through 12 key statements. It highlights aspects such as expectations, tools, valued opinions, and growth opportunities, making it especially valuable in industries where retention depends on clarity, trust, and recognition beyond compensation. The Q12 helps quantify these drivers for better management, which is crucial at year-end.
Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility across every department — from warehouse to accounting to the front counter. A phishing link clicked in one branch can disrupt dozens of locations. The good news is that building resilience doesn’t require massive budgets — just leadership commitment and steady improvement.
As aging infrastructure and rising costs challenge traditional methods, IoT and smart technologies are paving the way for proactive, data-driven maintenance, enhancing water management and safety like never before.
Q3 GDP trended at 4% based on the latest available data, but much of the visibility needed is still delayed. Most estimates suggest the government shutdown, because of its duration, may have brought Q3 GDP down to 1.5%. This is still reasonable given the circumstances.
In this episode of And So It Flows, host Natalie Forster sits down with Spencer Pope, manager of technical support and training at Bradford White, to explore how education and workforce development are evolving across the plumbing, HVAC and mechanical trades.
Whether your team needs training on your latest CRM system, new quoting software, or how to confidently represent your company on social media — the principle is the same. People can’t perform at their best without clarity, direction, and alignment. Every process, from managing leads to creating customer-facing content, is only as strong as the training behind it.
Supply House Times discussed the evolving PHCP-PVF industry with members at the 53rd AIM/R conference, focusing on rising expectations, market shifts, and the importance of strong partnerships.
Most learning happens on the job, with 70% from daily work, 20% from peers, and only 10% from formal training. Programs not integrated into operations often fail, and nearly half of managers see a lack of leadership development, especially at the branch level where theory must link to daily execution.
Once a company completes the assessment, it will receive a customized set of resources and recommendations based on those results. These will provide actionable suggestions for how to elevate training efforts and continue progressing along the Training Maturity Self-Assessment Tool pathway.