Month: July 2023

Employers can’t ignore the impact their workers’ mental health is having.

A recent survey of workers shows that nearly two in five Canadian adults took time off work in the past five years because of mental health challenges. Of those, nearly half were absent for a month or more.

From the Toronto Star: “Disability claims stemming from mental health issues now account for 70 per cent of workplace disability costs, the study reported, representing the fastest-growing type of benefits claim in the country. Annually, mental health disabilities and related absences are estimated to cost the Canadian economy $50 billion.”

The study suggests that “more comprehensive, flexible and inclusive benefit programs are needed.” Indeed, ICBA Benefits – which has more than 150,000 Canadians on one of our benefit plans – reports an uptick in both health and wellness spending accounts, as employers deal with these issues more proactively (if you’d like to learn about offering HSAs and WSAs, contact our team at sales@icbabenefits.ca).

Mental health concerns aren’t going away – and we all need to find ways to help our employees and colleagues.

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.

Another day, another piece on burnout in the workplace.

In the construction industry, project deadlines and heavy workloads can often lead to employee burnout. But many companies aren’t noticing a detrimental trend: quiet quitting. This is when demotivated employees, while still physically present, are mentally disengaged due to burnout, leading to decreased productivity – and putting their safety at risk.

Taking burnout seriously is paramount for construction company leaders. It’s not enough to simply acknowledge its existence; there needs to be proactive measures to prevent it. Providing support, promoting a work-life balance, and encouraging regular breaks can alleviate stress and improve job satisfaction. A company culture that acknowledges employee efforts and addresses concerns promptly can prevent quiet quitting.

The construction industry is committed to viewing our employees not just as manpower, but as valuable assets that need care. By investing in employee well-being, we’re not just promoting a healthier work environment but also boosting productivity and long-term company success.

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.

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.

News out of Ottawa is that the long-awaited 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Line will launch in November—with $156 million in funding over three years.

This is the culmination of work by Cariboo-Prince George MP Todd Doherty.

Todd was 14 years old when his best friend died by suicide. Decades later, still moved by the memory of his friend. Todd introduced a motion in Parliament to create 9-8-8 as an emergency phone number for people contemplating suicide. It passed unanimously and it has taken years to get approved and off the ground.

When the announcement was made, Todd was deeply moved:

“On the morning of Aug. 31, my team sent a tweet from the CRTC informing Canadians it will be bringing 9-8-8 to Canada. I pulled over my truck in the Canadian Tire parking lot and wept. I couldn’t stop the tears. For over an hour, I tried to compose myself. I still tear up just thinking about it.”

9-8-8 is expected to launch in November.

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.