Grasping the Gravity of High Suicide Rates in the Construction Sector

Research has shown that the construction industry, which is primarily male-dominated, has one of the highest suicide rates among its workforce. Men have been conditioned by society to suppress their emotions, leading to silent suffering. The industry is well-known for its “tough-guy” persona and emphasis on self-sufficiency, appealing to those with risk-taking tendencies. Nonetheless, this culture can also pose obstacles for those seeking mental health support, warranting sensitivity and consideration.

In addition, construction schedules often require extended work hours and job relocations, resulting in feelings of detachment from loved ones. The physical demands of the job, combined with a sense of isolation, can drive individuals to self-medicate with alcohol, drugs, or opioids, further increasing the risk of suicide.

The Significance of Mental Health in the Workplace

Mental health plays a crucial role in construction sites as it directly impacts the safety and well-being of the crew. A mentally healthy workforce is not only happier but also more productive. Key indicators of mental distress include lethargy, lack of motivation, concentration difficulties or absenteeism.

Promoting mental health and wellness within the workplace can foster a positive atmosphere for employees. As a result, this can aid in retaining and recruiting staff members who are interested in pursuing a career in the construction industry.

Comprehending Mental Health

Maintaining good mental health is an ongoing process. Various factors such as personal loss, financial difficulties and relationship issues can negatively impact a person’s mental well-being and ability to concentrate. In environments with a higher risk, operating heavy equipment or getting distracted due to a lack of focus can be dangerous for both workers and the public.

Encouraging an environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing their personal experiences can empower coworkers to check on their crewmates, thereby fostering a safer workspace for everyone involved.

The Role of Management in Driving Change

As a company, it is important to prioritize the well-being of employees. Creating a sense of community and belonging can be achieved by encouraging everyone to be aware of their surroundings and environment. This is especially important in the construction industry, where transitioning from a culture of discipline to one that prioritizes employee mental health and well-being can make a significant impact.

Leaders and employees can provide essential resources to promote mental health by practicing active listening, compassion and empathy towards one another. This approach fosters a supportive environment that enables everyone to thrive.

Identifying Warning Signs on a Jobsite

When observing individuals, paying attention to their behavior and life circumstances can provide valuable insights into their mental and emotional state. Verbal expressions such as discussing suicide, depression, anxiety or feeling like a burden to others can be red flags. Some behaviors, like being absent often, experiencing a sudden decrease in productivity or engaging in risky actions, may suggest that there are underlying problems.

Additionally, personal stressors such as going through a divorce, losing a job or losing a loved one can all impact a person’s emotional well-being. Awareness of these factors can enhance our understanding and enable us to provide better support.

Implementing Measures to Manage and Prevent Workplace Suicide

Companies can play a crucial role in managing and preventing such incidents by taking proactive steps. One of the most important steps is to identify the warning signs, including changes in mood, social withdrawal, talk of wanting to die or giving away personal belongings. Creating a safe environment where employees can openly discuss their issues and feel supported is essential.

Additionally, providing access to mental health resources and safety guides can help employees deal with such issues effectively. Implementing these measures can help companies establish a safe and supportive environment, significantly decreasing the occurrence of suicide in the workplace.

Fostering a Safe Work Environment

Creating a safe and supportive work environment is vital for the well-being of employees. Encouraging open communication about mental health issues, providing access to resources and professional help, and promoting a culture of support can go a long way in achieving this goal. By taking these steps, we can help prevent suicide and save lives in the construction industry.

Prioritizing Employee Mental Health

At RK, the safety and well-being of our employees is of utmost importance. We prioritize creating a work environment that is physically, mentally and emotionally safe for everyone. Safety is our number one core value and priority. We believe in promoting mental health awareness as an integral part of our culture, whether you work on-site, ina shop or in the office. By providing training, our employees are encouraged to check in with their colleagues to express care for their well-being.

Resources for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

During difficult times, it’s common to feel isolated and helpless. However, it’s important to recognize that seeking help is a courageous act that demonstrates strength rather than weakness. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or having suicidal thoughts, remember that assistance is readily available.

Crisis Text Line: Text “Hello” to 741741

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988 OR 1.800.273.8255 (English), 1.888.628.9454 (Espanol), 1.800.273.8255 (Deaf and Hard of Hearing)

For more information about mental health and suicide prevention in the construction industry, visit:

Please note that this blog is for informational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or mental health symptom. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

As a project engineer in the construction industry, you are responsible for coordinating with various teams to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. You may also be involved in designing, planning and implementing various aspects of construction projects.


If you are looking to progress in your career and become a project manager, there are several steps you can take to increase your chances of success.

5 Steps to Become Project Manager

  1. Gain experience: One of the most important things you can do to progress in your career is gaining as much experience as possible. Working on various projects, taking on additional responsibilities, and seeking opportunities to learn and grow can help achieve this goal.
  2. Build your skills: As a project manager, you will need to have a wide range of skills, including leadership, communication, problem-solving and decision-making. Focus on developing these skills through on-the-job experience and additional training and education.
  3. Network: Make an effort to network with other professionals in the field, including project managers, engineers and other key players in the construction industry.
  4. Earn a relevant degree or certification: While experience and skills are important, many employers look for candidates with a formal education in a related field. Consider earning a degree in construction management or a related field or obtaining a certification, such as a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
  5. Demonstrate your ability to lead: As a project manager, you will lead a team of engineers and other professionals. Show that you can lead by taking on leadership roles within your current organization or volunteer for leadership positions in industry organizations or community groups.

Following these steps can help increase your chances of progressing your career from a project engineer to a project manager. With hard work, dedication, and a focus on building your skills and experience, you can take your career to the next level.

Career Development Opportunities

At RK, we understand the importance of professional development and career progression for our project engineers. That’s why we offer mentorship where experienced project managers can guide and support our engineers’ career growth.

From on-the-job experience to additional training and education opportunities, our project engineers acquire the skills and experience necessary to progress in their careers. We also encourage networking and provide opportunities for our project engineers to connect with other industry professionals and take on leadership roles within our organization.

If you’re a project engineer looking to take the next step in your career, RK is here to support you every step of the way!

Construction has always been an essential force behind a growing economy and is vital to a city’s growth and infrastructure. Labor shortages, however, have impacted the industry with many trade-skilled men and women retiring. To combat the issue, construction companies, community colleges, and high school career and technical education programs are partnering to introduce career options in construction and other skilled trade careers to a new generation.

Apprenticeships provide an opportunity for construction companies to train and develop their workforce. Apprentices can learn a trade while working under the supervision of a journeyman-level expert, receiving real-world and hands-on developmental opportunities.

Importance of Apprenticeship Programs

With the future of the workforce ever-changing, companies and local governments are looking to apprenticeship programs to provide participants with the opportunity to learn trade skills while continuing to make a paycheck. Apprenticeship programs have long been used in the construction industry, but as the needs of the workforce change, apprenticeship programs are evolving to meet the needs of a variety of industries.

For young people looking for an alternative to traditional college, apprenticeship programs offer the opportunity to learn valuable job skills while earning a living. With the cost of college continuing to rise, apprenticeship programs provide an attractive debt-free option for many students. For those already in the workforce, apprenticeship programs offer a way to learn new skills and advance their career. As companies and governments evaluate the future of the workforce, apprenticeship programs will play an increasingly important role in providing workers with the skills they need to succeed.

Building the Future Workforce in Construction

Apprenticeship programs in the construction industry are seeing an increase in popularity, as more companies and local governments partner with schools and organizations to raise awareness about careers in construction and the trades. High schools, colleges, and trade schools are providing students with alternative pathways outside of the four-year college degree, and apprenticeship programs are seen as a way to provide career stability and growth.

Construction is a high-turnover industry, so outreach and retention methods are crucial to keeping workers employed. By providing education around career stability, students can feel confident going into a field that will provide them with the skills and training needed to get the job done and improve their finances for themselves and their families. Apprenticeship programs provide on-the-job training that can give workers the skills they need to be successful in their careers, and companies that offer these programs often have higher retention rates than those that do not.

Workforce Development at RK

RK has a long history of supporting workforce development in the communities it works in. Partnerships with trade schools and most recently, MSU Denver, have opened doors for students to earn a degree in construction management while also learning the hands-on skills necessary to succeed in the industry. Giving people an opportunity to further their careers without going into high debt is something that RK values. Its dedication to workforce development and its apprenticeship program has proven successful, with individuals graduating and pursuing opportunities within RK, further improving the state of the industry.

Grants for the Construction Industry

RK and its 501 (c)(3) organization, RK Foundation, support community organizations, providing grants to help bridge gaps in trade education. Donations to institutions like MSU Denver and The Master’s Apprentice help improve educational programming in construction, making it an attractive and viable career. It also helps fulfill the demand for workers in the skilled trades.

Visit the Department of Labor’s website to learn more about apprenticeship opportunities in construction and other industries. You can also find information about RK’s commitment to workforce development at rkindustries.com/careers/apprenticeship-program/.

Written by Ileana Morales

Apprenticeship act aims to build construction careers, RED, accessed September 19, 2022

Apprenticeship Week in the Construction Industry, DigiBuild, accessed September 19, 2022

Construction Apprenticeships: Building the Workforce of Tomorrow, ConstructConnect, accessed September 19, 2022

Every year, suicide rates in the United States climb higher and higher. On average, there are 133 suicides per day and according to a study by the CDC, over 47,000 people in the United States died by suicide each year.

If we drill down specifically to the construction industry, the problem is even more pronounced. A recent study in January 2020 found that the rate of suicides in construction is the second highest in the country, at approximately 5,500 suicides each year. For every 100,000 construction workers, over 45 will end up committing suicide. This is compared to the national average of over 14, which means that a person working in construction is 3.5 times more likely to take their own life. In fact, construction workers are more likely to die by suicide than from any other cause of death except accidents on the job. 

So why are suicides so prevalent in the construction industry? And what can companies do to provide a safe environment for their employees? Let’s take a closer look at mental health awareness in the construction industry and some of the factors that contribute to the high suicide rate.  

Factors that contribute to the high suicide rate in the construction industry 

Construction work can be incredibly demanding, both mentally and physically. Long hours, tight deadlines, and exposure to dangerous working conditions can all take a toll on a person’s mental health. What’s more, construction workers are often reluctant to seek help for fear of being seen as weak or unable to handle the job. As a result, mental health issues often go unaddressed until they reach a crisis point. 

There are several other factors that contribute to the high suicide rate in the construction industry. For instance, employees who are dissatisfied with their jobs are more likely to experience negative mental health outcomes. Because of the nature of the work, many construction workers feel like they don’t have much control over their lives or their working conditions. This lack of control can lead to feelings of helplessness and despair. 

In addition to these workplace-related factors, some personal factors can contribute to an increased risk of suicide. For example, alcohol abuse is common among construction workers and has been linked to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Other risk factors include a history of depression or other mental illness, physical illness, financial stressors, relationship problems and a family history of mental illness or suicide. 

Steps to manage and prevent suicide in the workplace

While the reasons for suicide can be complex, there are steps that companies can take to help manage and prevent suicide in the workplace. First, companies need to learn about the warning signs of suicide. These can include changes in mood, withdrawal from social activities, talking about wanting to die and giving away personal belongings. If an employee shows any of these signs, it’s important to create an open and safe environment where they feel comfortable discussing their problems, while also encouraging them to seek professional help.

It’s also important to provide easy access to resources for employees and to create safety guides for dealing with mental health, including actions to take if someone appears to be in danger of harming themselves. By taking these steps, companies can create a culture of safety and support that can help reduce the incidence of suicide in the construction industry.

Creating a safe work environment

Companies can create a safe environment for employees by promoting open communication about mental health struggles, providing access to resources and professional help when needed, and encouraging employees to lean on each other for support without shame or judgment. By raising awareness and taking measures to prevent suicides, we can save lives in the construction industry.

Investing in employee mental health

RK values its employees and understands the importance of creating a work environment that is safe, physically and mentally. Safety is the number one core value at RK and mental health awareness is a big part of the culture whether you are on a jobsite or in the office. We encourage employees to check in with their teammates to let them know you care about their well-being and provide training to help them better understand when to seek help for themselves or their teammates.

Mental health and suicide prevention resources

For information on our Employee Assistance Program, you can call 1.800.327.1850 or visit guidanceresources.com. This is available 24/7 for confidential support.

Crisis Text Line

Text “Hello” to 741741

National Suicide Prevention Hotline

988 OR 1.800.273.8255 (English)

1.888.628.9454 (Espanol)

1.800.273.8255 (Deaf and Hard of Hearing)

Written by Ileana Morales

Why is corporate philanthropy important?

Businesses of all sizes and industries can impact the communities surrounding them by having corporate philanthropy programs. These are investments and activities that a company voluntarily gets involved with to account for its social impact, including financial investments, product donations, in-kind services, and volunteerism.

The impacts that philanthropy offers a company, its employees, and society are invaluable. For local organizations, grants, financial support and volunteer hours can help provide supplies, resources and manpower that otherwise would go unfunded. These benefits can help strengthen the community with more opportunities for residents and boost the local economy.

Employee morale and recruitment efforts can also be bolstered through a company’s philanthropic programs. When a company shows that it cares about the community and emphasizes a sense of giving, employees and job seekers can feel that they are or can be part of something bigger beyond the typical scope of work. People are also passionate about serving others, and some companies even offer employee funds that provide monetary funding to colleagues who are going through unforeseen financial burdens.

How companies can get involved

Consequently, when a company has philanthropic programs and is well established, the local community, clients and potential customers can have a positive perception of the company. This positive image encourages community members to utilize the company’s services over a competitor who is not as involved with the community and helping others.

Examples of how small-to-mid-sized business support their communities:

  • Give to local charities: 66% 
  • Support youth organizations: 48% 
  • Donate to local first responders: 42% 
  • Aid local service groups (Rotary Club, Scouts, etc.): 37% 
  • Donate food or volunteer in soup kitchens: 32%

Regardless of the size of a company, businesses can incorporate giving and philanthropy through several different options.

Community Grants: Surrounding community organizations can apply to a company with a community grant program explaining how the grant would support their mission, or the company itself initiates community grants.

Volunteer time off: Volunteer time off is employer-sponsored paid time off to do volunteer work, allowing employees to take a day away from work to contribute to non-profit efforts.

Matching gifts: Companies with matching gift initiatives match the employee’s dollar amount of funds to eligible charities and non-profits.

About RK

RK Industries (RK) is the parent company of seven wholly-owned subsidiaries focused on construction, manufacturing, fabrication and building services. It operates four manufacturing and fabrication facilities in the greater Denver area and has helped construct some of the most prominent buildings shaping the Denver skyline. For close to 60 years, RK has had the privilege of supporting numerous nonprofits and charities that improve the quality of life in the community and the quality of life for its employees. Today, RK continues its proud tradition of philanthropy through the RK Foundation and RK Cares.

RK Foundation

Established in 2011, the RK Foundation allocates grant funding and supports employee volunteer hours to local nonprofits and causes that align with our three focus areas: community development, education, and health. The RK Foundation is funded by recycling all of the scrap metal produced at RK’s four shop facilities, construction projects, and service sites. All proceeds are directed to the RK Foundation, supporting community organizations in a unique and sustainable funding model.

Community Development: RK believes in the power of individuals, groups, and businesses working together to strengthen the communities in which its employees and clients live and work. It seeks to support organizations that innovate and generate tangible solutions to issues affecting communities in the Rocky Mountain region.

Education: Quality education systems are the foundation for successful businesses and communities and are a key driver of disrupting so many families’ poverty cycles. We have a strong connection to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and a passion for developing career technical education and pathways for the skilled trades. Our purpose is to invest in various educational pathways that allow a diverse workforce to flourish. We respect and admire 501(c)(3)s that are relentless in their pursuit of delivering better quality solutions.

Health: Healthy stakeholders and communities are a priority and a driving force behind our giving. RK supports health initiatives in the local communities and focuses on employee wellness, physically and mentally. RK places special emphasis on funding mental health awareness, suicide prevention and men’s health initiatives.

RK Cares

RK Cares serves as RK’s philanthropic and corporate citizenship arm, overseeing employee engagement and community outreach efforts. Throughout the year, RK Cares organizes various volunteer opportunities for RK employees, their families, and friends. Volunteer events include packing food at local food banks, mobile blood drives, making blankets, wrapping holiday presents for kids in need, and assembling care packages for deployed military members, to name a few. RK Cares volunteers regularly log around 400 hours during the group volunteer activities on an annual basis.

In 2019, the RK Cares Foundation was formally established to oversee the new employee hardship fund program, the HERO Fund. The HERO Fund empowers our team to help one another reduce the burden when unexpected emergencies occur. It is an emergency relief fund that is a resource for RK employees and their immediate family members when they experience financial hardships such as medical emergencies, the death of a family member, and loss of housing or transportation due to unexpected circumstances. RK employees donate collectively to support co-workers and their families to help each other recover and rebuild.

RK is proud to support its communities and the health and well-being of its employees. It is a company that understands that helping others is part of its business model. Providing support outside its typical project initiatives is a way for RK to give back and be a helping hand through the power of its financial and employee volunteer resources.

Written by Ileana Morales

10 Year Impact Report, accessed April 8, 2022

Corporate Philanthropy: Definition and Benefits, accessed April 8, 2022, Indeed

RK Cares Hero Fund: An Employee Compassion Fund, accessed April 8, 2022, RK Industries

The Importance of Corporate Philanthropy, accessed April 8, 2022, CHRON.

What is Corporate Philanthropy?, accessed April 8, 2022, Selflessly

Over the last few years, the construction industry has seen an increase in female employees in the field and the office. Men have typically dominated the industry. However, women are breaking down barriers and finding ways to close the gender gap.

The industry offers many opportunities for women. From working on a jobsite or in a shop, to supervising staff, leading departments, or running their own construction companies, women are essential contributors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the construction industry will add about 400,000 new jobs from 2020-2030, which will allow for growth and advancement for anyone seeking a career in the industry.

Despite the vast opportunities the construction industry offers, many companies worry about the ongoing labor shortage issues. Many people on the field are reaching retirement age, and there’s a deficit of young skilled workers ready to take their place. In addition, construction firms compete with other rising industries like healthcare, technology and engineering for younger workers. Trade-specific apprenticeship programs are finding creative ways to connect younger generations to career paths outside of the four-year college route and helping K-12 schools promote it with programs like welding and infusing STEM with construction education.

Women can take on any role in the construction industry and hold titles like architect, administrator, or project manager. Whether they’re wearing a hard hat or keeping things running behind the scenes, women bring value to the jobsite and the office with fresh perspectives. However, they are underrepresented in trade and executive positions. Statistics show that just under 87% of women working in construction hold office positions, and only about 2.5% of tradespeople are women. Women also only make up about 14% of staff executive and 7% of line executive positions.

Organizations like Transportation & Construction Girl are taking the lead in reaching young women before their last few years in high school to demonstrate the value they can have in the industry. As the construction industry looks for solutions to the growing workforce shortage problem, recruiting women appears to be one of the most viable and necessary to ensure long-term industry progress. 

RK takes pride in fostering an environment that encourages men and women alike to learn from one another and strive for excellence in their craft, whether in the shop, a jobsite or in the office. The future is bright for young men and women looking to pursue a career in construction!

Written by Ileana Morales

How Women in Construction are Breaking Barriers in 2021, accessed March 4, 2022, Buildertrend

Women in Construction, accessed March 4, 2022, New England Institute of Technology

Women in Construction: The State of the Industry in 2022, accessed March 4, 2022, BigRentz, Inc.

How to Adapt to the Skilled Labor Shortage in Construction, accessed March 4, 2022, Propeller Aero

Workplace culture has never been more important. After an uncertain few years, people are seeking employment at businesses that offer robust programs to support them outside of the standard benefits packages. Employers must be creative to be competitive in hiring top talent. Integrating philanthropy into a company’s culture can have many benefits and is linked to higher levels of employee happiness, collaboration and innovation. Current and prospective employees are looking for organizations to go beyond the paycheck and get behind social issues. Creating a value-based company can prove to be more resilient to withstand crises like pandemics, disasters, and social unrest because its values keep it anchored in challenging times.

Focusing on causes that employees care about can increase engagement level and connection to the company. Furthermore, people are passionate about serving others they see in their daily lives, so organizations can connect that natural human instinct to create an employee fund that inspires colleagues to help each other with unforeseen financial burdens.

The construction industry is one of the most dangerous fields to work in. Unexpected events can happen on a jobsite, causing injury and possible death. At RK, safety is the number one value, which is infused companywide from field workers to office employees and even their families. However, there are situations that one cannot control. After a cluster of accidents and severe injuries, RK formed a charter committee to research corporate hardship funds and established a 501(c)(3), RK Cares Foundation. By establishing the foundation as a 501(c)(3), funds are granted to individual employees tax-free.

The RK Cares HERO Fund, a grant program from the RK Cares Foundation, was started to encourage RK employees to help one another. It is an emergency relief fund that is a resource for RK employees and/or their immediate family members when they experience financial hardships such as medical emergencies, the death of a family member, and loss of housing or transportation due to unexpected circumstances. RK employees donate collectively to support co-workers and their families to help each other recover and rebuild.

HERO
H – Helping
E – Employees
R – Rebuild, Recover, Restore, Renew, Repair, Reduce, Rally, Return and….
O – Overcome

Since 2019, the RK Cares HERO Fund has granted $106,600 to over 50 employees or their immediate families. In 2021 alone, over $60,000 was granted to RK employees in need. After an initial $25,000 grant from the RK Foundation, the HERO Fund has been entirely funded by employee payroll donations and internal fundraisers. The breakdown of assistance is:

The goal is to continuously increase employee awareness of the HERO Fund and promote a company based on values and mutual support for one another. Ultimately, people make a company great, and it is important to show that they are not alone when they need a helping hand.

“I wish to thank RK Cares for the generous grant, which was a big help in my life following the sudden death of my wife and being out of work due to my own medical problem. Many thanks to all the contributors of the HERO Fund.”

Douglas

“Thank you so much to everyone that made the HERO Fund possible. I am very grateful for the help following a house fire where I lost almost everything.”

Rodrigo

The RK Cares HERO Fund is a corporate social responsibility program of RK. The HERO Fund is part of the RK Cares Foundation, which is a 501(c)(3), that oversees RK’s philanthropic efforts, as well as employee and community outreach and engagement.

Written by Ileana Morales

 Any Company Can Make Giving Back a Part of its Culture. Here’s How., accessed February 22, 2022, Operator Collective 

How to Make Giving Back Part of Your Company Culture, accessed February 22, 2022, Utah Business

Companies are always on the lookout for employees who will stay long-term and are committed to growing and improving. Likewise, employees want to work for companies that will provide them with opportunities to develop their skills.

Mentorships are a great way to help employees, both new and experienced, expand their knowledge and personal development. They focus on positive workplace behavior and performance, providing employees with the training needed to be successful.

Traditionally, mentoring relationships have involved senior employees guiding their younger colleagues, but hierarchy and age aren’t necessarily important in modern workforces. As long as mentors have experience that can help others learn, this is all that matters. For instance, younger employees can teach older employees about ever-changing technology in the workplace.

Successful mentoring relationships can also naturally create a rich multigeneration office culture by combining the top qualities of each participant. Senior employees traditionally have a great work ethic, loyalty and dedication. Whereas, younger employees may come to work with new ideas and passion. Together, they can make for a positive and effective team.

Research has shown that workers who have a mentor enjoy greater job satisfaction, and mentors learn from those they are guiding. But, mentoring in the workplace not only benefits the mentors and mentored, it also benefits companies with increased employee retention and knowledge sharing. On top of that, mentoring programs have shown to increase company diversity, with participation expanding minority representation in management-level positions.

Top Benefits of Mentorship in the Workplace

Mentors
Mentored
Company
  • Better Job Satisfaction
  • Better Job Satisfaction
  • Better Employee Satisfaction
  • Increased Pride
  • Increased Self-confidence
  • Higher Employee Retention
  • Improved Communication Skills
  • Desire to Achieve Goals
  • Diversity of Leadership
  • Improved Knowledge Sharing
  • Skill Development
  • Increased Knowledge Sharing
  • Experience for Leadership Roles
  • Greater Probability of Promotion
  • Improved Company Culture

Something important to note is that mentoring relationships should never be forced. This can cause employees to resent the idea as an obligatory task. Instead, sharing the positive benefits with employees and offering to help connect them with a mentor, when and if they are ready, is most effective. To be prepared, companies should gather information about employee skills, communication styles and career goals. A major key to successful mentorship relationships is connecting employees who communicate well together, can connect on a personal level and are working toward attaining similar goals.

In the end, mentors need to feel that their time is valued in order to achieve a successful mentorship relationship. Those who are mentored must think of the experience as an investment in their growth, rather than a sure path to promotion.

Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. During May, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Together, they fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families.

Get Involved and Spread Awareness
Here are some tips on how to get involved and spread awareness:

  1. Start a Conversation: it can feel strange or awkward to reach out to someone who may need your assistance, but friends and family may not feel comfortable asking for help. One way to start a conversation is to simply ask, “How are you doing?”
  2. Prioritize Your Mental Health: this is an ideal time to reflect on your own mental wellness and to ask yourself, “How are you doing?” If you are not ok, reach out for help.
  3. Donate or Volunteer: there are thousands of organizations that help promote mental health, consider donating to one this month.
  4. Share Information: sharing information is a fantastic way to spread awareness, maybe consider posting something to your social media!
  5. Let Someone Know They Are Not Alone: Many people with mental disorders feel isolated and think no one understands them. Reach out!

Dealing with Stress and Anxiety
Stress is part of being human, and it can help motivate us to get things done. We may sometimes feel anxious, and that’s normal too for a while. But, when we start to feel that way more than several weeks, or if it starts to interfere with home or work life, it’s time to reach out for help. Here are some things that can help manage stress before it gets to be too much.

Getting Help
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental illness, contact the NAMI HelpLine, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., ET at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or by emailing info@nami.org. Volunteers answer questions, offer support and provide practical next steps. The resources on this page also provide information to address many needs and concerns.

RK strongly believes that mental health is just as important as physical health. RK medical plans now cover out-of-network benefits for mental health. In addition, our employees have access to Teladoc for mental health services, along with our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and other resources.

8 Mental Health Infographics to Raise Awareness, Venngage, 3/10/21
Mental Health Awareness Month, NAMI, accessed 5/1/21
5 WAYS TO CELEBRATE MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH, New Method Wellness, accessed 5/10/21

Being grateful can make people feel more positive and reduces stress. Effectively showing gratitude at work can also make employees and coworkers feel appreciated. From improved productivity to a better work environment, better team relationships and an overall happier workforce, showing gratitude is important in the workplace.

If someone does something special for you, a thank you may not always suffice. Expressing gratitude that conveys your sincere appreciation can make a world of difference. Being authentic is extremely important. If the gesture appears insincere, the praise may seem patronizing, completely defeating the purpose.

Here are the top 8 ways to express genuine gratitude in the workplace:

  1. Smile and greet employees and coworkers daily. This simple action sets the tone for the workday.
  2. Recognize efforts even if things do not go as planned. Give words of encouragement to your team when you know they have they tried their hardest, regardless of the result.
  3. Be respectful of everyone’s time. Don’t call meetings when a simple email would suffice.
  4. Offer flexible work arrangements for employees who have proven to be responsible and effective workers.
  5. Surprise your team with a special treat, such as lunch or coffee, once a month or after completing a big project.
  6. Show your gratitude with words of appreciation and encouragement often. Switch up your vocabulary and be specific. Instead of always saying “thank you,” try “you’re the best for…” or “I couldn’t have done… without you.” Consider listing their characteristics that you admire the most.
  7. If you do not feel comfortable expressing your gratitude verbally, write notes to those you want to thank.
  8. Share the spotlight and make your gratitude public. Regularly highlight those on your team who contributed to the completion of a big project by praising them in meetings and through a company-wide platform, such as an internal newsletter or bulletin board where employees can post shout-outs.
  9. Nothing speaks louder than compensation and promotions. These are key incentives for employees to continue working hard and striving for success.

Being grateful in the workplace is extremely beneficial, not just to employees but also to leadership and the company. By encouraging a culture that emits gratitude, a business can more easily succeed, or even exceed, in its goals.

 

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