The right tools.
Every industry comes with its own unique challenges and stressors, and construction and trades are no exception. The work can be physically-demanding, hazardous, and employees are often tasked with working long or irregular hours. Many tradespeople must work remotely away from family and friends, and work contracts may be temporary or seasonal. All of these factors contribute to the need for employees to have excellent support for their physical and mental health.
I spent fourteen years working in the trades as a Red Seal Journeyman machinist. I’m proud of the hard work that my colleagues and I did, and I not only understand the many challenges and the barriers that we faced – I experienced them. Every tradesperson deserves the support they need to do their job safely, confidently, and sustainably.
VĪV Mental Health is proud to offer specialized workplace training designed for the trades, as well as leadership consulting, policy development, and direct support for employees.
Training & Workshops
- Mental Health In The Workplace
- Psychological Safety
- Leading With Mental Health In Mind
- Respectful Workplaces
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Understanding Neurodiversity
- Navigating Tough Conversations
- Culture & Development
- Inclusive Hiring
- Building Better Leaders
We also offer keynote presentations sharing lived experiences working in the trades, facilitated lunch-and-learns, and direct mental health support for small and medium-sized businesses.
To find out more about how we can support your company and help your team thrive, book a free consultation with us.
Overcoming The Stigma: Mental Health In The Trades
By Kris Marks – VĪV Mental Health founder and Journeyman Red Seal Machinist
Beside the punch clock at a shop I used to work at read a sign that said: “Check Your Baggage At The Door – We Need You Here”.
We are human beings 24/7, and it’s unreasonable to expect that an individual’s mental and physical health will not be affected by challenges that occur both inside and outside of the workplace.
Physical demands, safety risks, work/life instability, the isolation of working in remote areas – these are just a few of the challenges that tradespeople face. Challenges that affect their mental health, physical well-being, and job performance. Challenges that I faced myself. Let’s face it – the trades have traditionally been seen as ‘tough’ work cultures that often discourage open discussions about mental health. I’m here to change that, because challenging old stigmas and improving how we work together benefits everyone.
Addressing mental health in the workplace doesn’t need to be uncomfortable because mental health is universal. We all have it, and as it changes we must adapt, cope, support, and feel confident about how we care for each other and ourselves. We spend roughly a third of our waking lives “on the job”. It’s not just work – it’s a major part of our lives. For many, it is life.
We know how important safety training is. We know how important it is to present these topics with authenticity, compassion, and awareness. We know it makes a difference.
I look forward to supporting with you and your team. Let’s get to work.
