WELLNESS WEDNESDAY #35: Making Workplaces Better Starts With Us

Each week, ICBA’s Jordan Bateman reflects on what we’ve learned as we participate in ICBA’s Workplace Wellness Program. This program is free for all ICBA members – check out icba.ca/wellness for details.

As we work through our Respectful Workplaces curriculum this month, it’s clear that every individual at a worksite has the ability – and a responsibility – to make their workplace better.

At my kids’ elementary school, they often use the simple analogy of being a bucket filler, or a bucket dipper. Think of a bucket, full of good feelings like cooperation, communication, trust and collegiality. Are we helping to fill that bucket with kindness, encouragement, and our best efforts – or are we emptying it with our bad attitudes or selfishness?

Contributing to a respectful workplace doesn’t take a lot, it’s just being a decent person:

• Be open to and accept different points of view
• Don't threaten or name call others
• Speak with someone directly to resolve conflict
• Walk away and cool off if there is risk of the conflict escalating
• Welcome people to activities and conversations
• Support co-workers who are being harassed, discriminated against or treated disrespectfully
• Try and make connections with coworkers who are different from you
• Educate yourself about diversity
• Look out for others' safety

Let’s be bucket fillers!

ICBA’s Workplace Wellness Program is helping more than 50 companies, and thousands of construction professionals, better understand mental health. The program is free for ICBA members — see icba.ca/wellness.