b'MENTAL HEALTHTIPS ON SUPPORTING EMPLOYEE MENTAL HEALTHT here is a significant, ongoing mental health and addictions1. PROVIDE MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS TRAINING crisis in Canada. Although not new to the constructionWe spend a lot of time at work. With access to mental health care in industry, these concerns have become particularly acuteshort supply, peoples connections with their colleagues can help fill during the COVID-19 pandemic.some of the gaps.In 2023, the mental health of workers in the construction industryThe pandemic has blurred lines between personal and professional remains strained in Canada. A recent report from the Center forrelationships, says Sur. That means there are new opportunities Workplace Mental Health found that in addition to the mentalfor people to start safe conversations about their well-being.health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, members of thisCourses like Mental Health First Aid teach participants to learn to industry are at increased risk of mental health concerns due to highrecognize signs of declining well-being. Employees also learn safe stress, low job control, tight deadlines, long hours and time awayways to approach their colleagues and start conversations, as well as from home. how to be supportive by listening non-judgmentally.The good news is that over 75 per cent of senior leaders in the2. LEAD WITH EMPATHYconstruction industry agree that it is critical to prioritize mentalWhen surveyed, more than two-thirds, or 68 per cent, of CEOs said health in the workplace. Given how much time we spend at work,they were scared of being less respected if they showed empathy, according to a 2021 study titledState of Workplace Empathy.more attention is being focused on workplaces and ways that workplace leaders can be a part of the solution. With that in mind,Social workers, which are the largest group of mental health the Scaffold Industry Association of Canada (SIAC) reached out toproviders in the province, think that workplace leaders need Dr. Deepy Sur, Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Associationto show that they understand. The best way to do that is by demonstrating vulnerability, says Sur. This can go a long way of Social Workers (OASW) and asked for her advice on promotingtowards reducing stigma and positively changing workplace culture wellness in the workplace.in the process.14THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SCAFFOLD INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF CANADA'