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Technology
What do you do if half of your workforce is tech-friendly and welcomes the change while the other half views it as a negative and fears it ? If you can get internal champions of change involved in leading those projects jointly with the implementation team from the software provider or vendor partner , that ’ s useful . Take time to roll out the new technology with teaching sessions . Don ’ t dump it on your crew with one big session . Break it up into bite-sized bits . Also , having live trainers teaching , not sending videos , really helps .
If you want to make the transition to new technology as stress-free as possible for workers , should ‘ ease of use ’ factor into your product choice ? It ’ s a smart strategy . I ’ m at a lot of conferences , and I see a lot of displays from different vendors . Software companies are always touting ease of use , ease of implementation , ease of execution and ease of reporting , so the industry is responding to that call . You can have a bigger , broader , more powerful technology platform , but it will only get traction if it ’ s user-friendly . People recognize that ease of use will help with successful implementation on the job site .
How do you feel about the future of addressing mental health issues on construction sites ? I ’ m optimistic . We ’ ve come a long way as an industry . I think that ’ s one thing I love about construction . We are problem solvers , and we are unified on this mission to address mental health to reduce suicide rates . We have a way to go . In some places , we ’ ve only scratched the surface . Still , I ’ m optimistic when I see the number of associations and labor unions that have embraced this topic , sharing resources , focusing initiatives and efforts , and building resources .
Are there any apps you recommend to help with wellness on the job ? There ’ s an app that I like called Dario . It has an integrated platform that lets you look at everything from posture to diabetes to blood pressure . It addresses chronic health conditions , which we sometimes call comorbidities , that co-exist with many mental health conditions . I also like the Calm app . It teaches you how to meditate and guides you in relaxation exercises . There ’ s no quick fix to mental health issues , no easy button . It ’ s a process of discovery and some trial and error .
It is clear from Cal ’ s sentiments that in the high-pressure world of construction , where deadlines loom large and physical exertion is the norm , mental health often takes a backseat . Yet , as he passionately argues , this neglect comes at a cost . With construction workers experiencing alarmingly high rates of suicide , the imperative to address mental well-being has never been clearer .
Prioritizing mental health isn ’ t just a matter of compassion , it ’ s a strategic imperative , essential for the well-being of workers and the success of the industry as a whole . ■
Cal Beyer National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention
Established in 2010 , the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention ( Action Alliance ) is the nation ’ s public-private partnership for suicide prevention , working with more than 250 national partners to advance the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention . Current Action Alliance priority areas include : transforming health systems , transforming communities , and changing the conversation .
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