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.
ICBA Wellness is designed specifically for construction workers, and that means being able to deliver content and themes on site. This week, I read one of the Toolbox Talks written for our Financial Fitness month, and it’s really good stuff. My reflection this week comes from that Talk:
Mental health already carries a stigma with it, and we’re doing our best to break through it. The number one stressor identified by Canadians is money – another topic that’s uncomfortable for people to talk about. Mental health and money is like having to battle through two stigmas for the price of one.
But there is help! Very few of us learned anything about money management, but there are experts who can help us navigate through these challenges and make a plan for the future. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) give free access to unbiased, non-judgmental, confidential financial advice. There are also credit counsellors, financial planners and licensed insolvency trustees who have seen situations like yours (and way worse!).
Don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for help! Reaching out is not a sign of weakness, it just means that you’re wise enough to recognize your financial situation is causing you stress and needs addressing.
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.
