RK knows that our employees are our greatest asset. We also recognize that life can present challenges at work and home, which can affect their well-being. That’s why we’re proud to offer a comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP) designed to support our team members through life’s ups and downs. Keep reading to learn more about the EAP, and see what you might be able to implement at your workplace!

What is RK’s Employee Assistance Program?

The Employee Assistance Program is a confidential resource available to all employees and their families—at no cost to them! The EAP is more than just a benefit; it’s a lifeline that provides support when it’s needed most. Whether it’s a personal issue, work-related stress, or the need for legal or financial guidance, our EAP offers a wide range of services to help our employees navigate these challenges.

What RK offers through the EAP

The EAP is designed with the diverse needs of our employees in mind. Here are some of its key features:

– Confidential Counseling: Life can be stressful, and sometimes we all need someone to talk to. The EAP provides access to professional counselors who can help with a variety of issues, including mental health, stress and family concerns. These sessions are entirely confidential, ensuring that our employees can speak freely and get the support they need.

– Legal and Financial Advice: Navigating legal issues or managing finances can be overwhelming. Through the EAP, employees can receive expert advice on various topics, including debt management, estate planning and legal matters. This guidance can provide peace of mind and help employees make informed decisions about their futures.

– Work-Life Balance Resources: Balancing work and personal life is a growing challenge. The EAP offers resources to assist with education planning and other daily life needs. These services are designed to help employees manage their responsibilities and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

– 24/7 Availability: We know that life doesn’t operate on a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither does our EAP. The services are available 24/7, ensuring that help is just a phone call away.

– Trained First Responders: We currently have over 300 employees trained as mental health first responders to make sure help is quick and close.

The EAP’s impact at RK

The well-being of our employees is a top priority at RK. By providing access to the EAP, we’re not just offering a benefit; we’re investing in the long-term health and happiness of our team. When employees feel supported, they are more engaged, productive and satisfied in their work. The EAP is a crucial part of our commitment to creating a positive and supportive work environment where everyone can thrive.

– According to workplacementalhealth.org, only 26% of people are willing to seek care for mental health. Yet during an internal survey, RK employees answered that over 50% were willing to seek care.

– Over 61% of RK employees acknowledge they would benefit from training workshops on mental health. Of that group, two workshops emerged as the most popular: a workshop on managing stress/anxiety and awareness sessions about recognizing mental health symptoms in oneself and others.

– In 2023, we hosted a dozen classes that reached over 250 employees. We were able to directly avert FIVE suicides.

In today’s fast-paced world, having access to resources like the EAP can make all the difference. Whether it’s managing stress, getting professional advice or finding the right work-life balance, the EAP is there to help. RK is more than just a company; we’re a community that cares about each other. Our Employee Assistance Program is a reflection of that commitment, ensuring that our employees and their families have the support they need to succeed, both personally and professionally.

Do you want to take advantage of this free benefit? Check out our open positions and make your next career move with RK!

September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month (NSPAM), which stems from a broader movement to address mental health challenges and reduce the stigma associated with suicide. If you’re unfamiliar with NSPAM, keep reading for our introductory course on its five Ws: The Who, What, Where, When and Why.

WHO is National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month meant to help?

While National Suicide and Prevention Month is primarily observed in the United States, the movement has inspired similar efforts worldwide. Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) have supported global initiatives, such as World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, to address suicide on an international scale. Remember, suicide knows no boundaries.

WHAT is the goal of National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month?

The goal of National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month is to reduce the frequency of suicide by raising awareness, fostering understanding, reducing stigma around mental health and promoting action at individual, community and policy levels. It inspires action and hope while also commemorating the lives that have already been lost to suicide.

WHERE can people access resources for National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month?

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. Here are just a few places you (or they) can turn to:

– National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Visit 988lifeline.org or dial 988. The Lifeline provides 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources, and best practices for professionals. The website also offers educational materials and ways to get involved in suicide prevention efforts.

– American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP): Visit afsp.org for education resources, research and advocacy opportunities. The AFSP also organizes events like “Out of the Darkness” walks to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention.

– National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Visit nami.org for information on mental health conditions, crisis intervention and support groups. They offer a variety of resources tailored to different audiences, including families, teens and veterans.

– Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Visit samhsa.gov or call 800.662.HELP if you’re facing mental health crises or substance use disorders. They also provide guides, toolkits and directories for finding local mental health services.

– Crisis Text Line: Visit crisistextline.org or text “HELLO” to 741741. The Crisis Text Line offers free, 24/7 support through text messages for people in crisis. It’s a discreet way for individuals to get help in real time.

– Veterans Crisis Line: Visit veteranscrisisline.net or dial 988, then select option 1. This service is specifically for veterans and their families, offering 24/7 support via phone, text and chat.

– The Trevor Project: Visit thetrevorproject.org for crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth. They offer a 24/7 hotline, chat, text services and educational materials.

WHEN did National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month begin?

The modern suicide prevention movement gained momentum in the 1970s and 1980s as awareness of mental health issues increased. During this time, organizations like the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) were established to focus on education and advocacy around suicide prevention. Fast forward to the 2000s, when the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) began organizing National Suicide Prevention Week in the United States during the first full week of September. September was declared National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month in 2008 to recognize the need for sustained efforts in addressing suicide prevention.

WHY should people care about National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month?

1. It Saves Lives: Suicide is preventable, and raising awareness can help save lives. By understanding the warning signs, knowing how to offer support and reducing stigma, people can intervene before a crisis escalates.

2. It Breaks the Stigma: Stigma around mental health and suicide can prevent individuals from talking about their struggles or seeking support. Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month helps to normalize these conversations, making it easier for those in need to come forward.

3. It Helps Us Recognize the Signs: Many people may not realize that someone close to them is struggling. Awareness efforts teach people to recognize signs of distress in friends, family or colleagues and offer appropriate support. When people care about suicide prevention, they contribute to a culture of care and support within their community.

4. It Addresses a Public Health Crisis: Suicide is a significant public health issue, affecting people of all ages, backgrounds and communities. In the U.S., suicide is one of the leading causes of death, particularly among young people and certain vulnerable populations. The effects of suicide ripple through families, communities and society as a whole. Raising awareness helps address the root causes and reduce the incidence of suicide, which has lasting benefits for everyone.

5. It Creates Hope and Connection: Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month reminds people that they’re not alone and help is available. It fosters hope, showing that recovery and healing are possible, even in the darkest moments.

If you’re curious about how RK helps its employees with mental health and suicide prevention, check out our blog on RK’s Employee Assistance Program!

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

Movember, a combination of the word moustache “mo” and “November,” is an annual event that involves growing moustaches during the month of November. The focus is on raising awareness of men’s health issues, such as prostate and testicular cancer, poor mental health and suicide prevention.

On average, men die six years earlier than women do, often for reasons that are preventable. Men also account for 75% of all suicides worldwide.

So, what can men do to live happier and healthier lives? According to the Movember Foundation, these are the top five things men should do.

1. Spend time with friends and family: Being around people who make you feel happy is good for your mental health.
2. Talk more: Supporting one another by listening and being there can make a big difference. Connect with someone you suspect is going through a mental health crisis with the ALEC
3. Know your risk: Is there a history of cancer in your family? If so, talk to your doctor and consider being screened sooner than later.
4. Give yourself regular checks: Get to know what is normal for your body and check regularly. If you notice something that isn’t right, contact your doctor right away.
5. Get moving: Add more physical activity to your day. Try simply walking or biking more.

In a culture of masculinity, it can be challenging for men to open up about their feelings or health concerns. Another roadblock is that men’s health issues are not discussed enough. Movember hopes to bring positive change by kicking off the discussion worldwide each November.

Women can help by sharing this information with the men in their lives and encouraging them to be extra hairy during the month of November.

Movember Foundation. Men’s Health. Accessed October 27, 2020

PBS. The culture of masculinity and its negative impacts on men, September 8, 2019. Accessed October 27, 2020

Earlier this year, RK was featured on Denver 7 News in a story called “Construction company serves as national model for suicide prevention,” which highlighted the importance of removing the stigma around mental health in the workplace.

As an employer of skilled trades’ workers, one of the professions with a high rate of suicide, we take precautions to support and listen to our employees. The construction industry’s high rate of suicide stems from mental health issues, addiction, and a constantly changing job market. To ensure employees have a safe space, we have implemented certain initiatives, such as:

• Open communication culture that encourages employees to express their opinion and emotions in productive, healthy ways
• Mental wellness toolbox talks
• Suicide prevention training for all managers and supervisors
• Annual suicide prevention campaign with informative posters, social media posts, blogs and other company-wide messaging

In addition to RK’s efforts, Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP) suggests companies consider implementing the following resources at work to help reduce the likelihood of suicide.

• Issuing Wallet cards with warning signs and helplines to all employees
• Using Hardhat stickers to promote the CIASP STAND UP pledge
• Making screening tools accessible to help employees identify potential mental health issues
• Sharing Joyages Construction Industry Resource Page & Videos with teams to build awareness
• Asking your employee assistance program provider to present sessions on mental health and coping techniques

RK values our employees and understands the importance of mental health and wellness. Not only do we want our employees to receive the best mental and physical healthcare available, but we’d also like to help other companies provide access to the resources they need to do the same.

If you, or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please reach out to one of the numbers below to get help right away.

1. INTEGRATION RESOURCES, Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention

Prevention

Recognizing warning signs of suicidal behavior is the first step in prevention. The following actions may indicate that someone is thinking about suicide.

• • Talking about: feeling hopeless or trapped, death or wanting to die, ways to commit suicide, having great guilt or shame, feeling unbearable pain (physically or emotionally), or being a burden to others
  • Acting anxious, enraged, agitated or withdrawn
  • Giving away important possessions or making a will
  • Suddenly using excessive alcohol/drugs or taking unnecessary risks like excessive speeding
  • Changing eating or sleeping habits
  • Saying goodbye to friends and family

If there is concern that someone may be contemplating suicide, ask them in a discreet and supportive way. Depression can prevent people from opening up. So, if you really believe something is wrong, keep asking and tell them about the changes that you have noticed in them. While it isn’t always easy, asking if an at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can save their life.

Intervention

If they admit that they are suicidal, be there for them. Listen carefully about what they are thinking and feeling. Acknowledging and talking about suicide can actually reduce suicidal thoughts. Refer them to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and the Crisis Text Line’s number: 741741 for further support. Getting them to a trained professional is important, as they may need to be hospitalized until the crisis has passed.

If you can, consider removing harmful objects from their home that could be used for suicide, such as knives, firearms, ropes, pills and household cleaners containing dangerous chemicals. If the person takes a prescription that could be used for an overdose, encourage them to have someone else safeguard it.

Once someone has made it through a suicide crisis, they will still need ongoing support. Meeting regularly with a therapist is highly advised to work through the issues that brought them to considering suicide. This can help them find coping strategies in case thoughts of suicide begin to emerge again. Honoring milestones, like making it through another week or month is a great way to move forward with healing.

Additionally, after you have helped someone through a suicide crisis, staying in touch with them can make a big difference. Suicide death rates go down when someone regularly follows up with the at-risk person.

Even though it can be frightening to help someone through a suicide crisis, it is important to take action.  Most suicides can be prevented if the warning signs are recognized soon enough. By reaching out and getting them the support they need before it’s too late, you can help to save a life.

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

Crisis Text Line:
Text “Hello” to 741741