Rome – or any major construction project – wasn’t built in a day.
Neither is good mental health, or a workplace that rejects the stigma around discussing mental health issues. It takes time, energy and relentless commitment to improve the mental wellness of a team and workplace.
Ventana Construction knows that first hand. From the Journal of Commerce interview with Justin Leisle, director of health, safety, environment and quality at Ventana Construction:
The contractor’s role in health and safety has changed and communicating with trade contractors and workers on a jobsite about mental health issues is critical. “It’s one of the most important things you can do to help break down the stigma and get the conversation started. With that you’ll be surprised how people feel about the issue and people will start to open up.”
Talking is the first step, he notes. “You don’t have to be an expert. You don’t have to know necessarily what to say. You don’t have to solve their problems. All you need to know is, ‘Here are the resources available,’ and then get them out there.”
As part of the ICBA, workers at Ventana have access to a benefits program that has mental health supports. The company also distributes hard hat stickers that have contact information on where to get help.
Let’s all keep working at it! It’s worth it!
Each week, ICBA’s Jordan Bateman reflects on what we’ve learned as we participate in ICBA’s Workplace Wellness Program. ICBA’s Workplace Wellness Program is helping more than 100 companies and more than 10,000 construction professionals better understand mental health. This program is free for all ICBA members – check out icba.ca/wellness for details.
