Delivering difficult news
One of the tougher parts of community engagement is telling someone that construction work will temporarily cut off access to their home. While it is all part of the job, it’s definitely not an enjoyable aspect.

During a recent road upgrade project, we had to make a lot of those calls. One of residents we spoke to understood the works were necessary for the project and even expected some disruption. But they shared that their beloved dog was heading in for overnight surgery right when access would be blocked. Parking further away and carrying a large recovering pup home would be difficult and uncomfortable.

We know how important pets are because they are part of the family. We spoke with the project team and worked together to make sure there was a solution. The crew adjusted the schedule and ensured there was a way for the owners to get back into their home.

Going Above and Beyond
When the day came, the crew went above and beyond. They helped carry the recovering pup from the car to the house, taking care to make sure both the dog and owners felt supported. It was a simple act of kindness that turned what could have been a stressful day into a moment of collaboration and connection.

We also put together a small care package with treats, toys, and a get-well card signed by the team. We wanted to let the family know we were thinking of them beyond project logistics and deliverables.

The Ripple Effect of Care
The residents were delighted. They thanked the crew for going above and beyond and shared how much it meant to them that we had listened and acted. For our team, it became a bright spot in the project and a reminder of the real, human connections we build through our work.

Construction inevitably causes inconvenience, and engagement practitioners are often the ones delivering that news. Moments like this remind us why it matters to listen carefully and look for opportunities to make things easier for the people impacted by our work. Even small acts of care can have a ripple effect. They boost morale for the project team, create goodwill with the community, and help everyone stay focused and driven towards the same goal.