Building Health, Building Future
Why Movember Matters in the Construction Industry
Contributions by: Maycon Herbert – BCCA Employee Benefits Trust
The construction industry is the backbone of our infrastructure, powered by hard work, resilience, and demanding schedules. However, beneath the hard hats and high-visibility vests, there is a silent crisis: men’s health, particularly mental health.
As we step into Movember, the global movement dedicated to addressing the most significant health issues facing men (including mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer), it’s crucial to shine a light on why this cause is particularly vital for the construction sector.
The Unique Health Challenges in Construction
The culture and logistics of the construction site create specific pressures that amplify health risks:
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The Culture of Silence: Traditional industry culture often reinforces expectations of stoicism and self-reliance, making it incredibly difficult for workers to talk about stress, depression, or anxiety. This silence is dangerous. According to Movember-backed research, men are significantly less likely to discuss their mental health struggles than women.
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Physical and Mental Isolation: Construction work often involves long commutes, remote job sites, and irregular hours. This can lead to social isolation and interfere with regular health routines and appointments.
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High Risk of Suicide: Data consistently shows that men in high-risk industries, including construction, face significantly higher rates of suicide than the general population. This makes proactive mental health support not just a benefit, but a life-saving necessity.
At the BCCA Employee Benefit Trust (BCCA EBT), we believe that building a strong future starts with building a healthy workforce. Our commitment goes beyond traditional insurance. We are focused on providing a comprehensive, holistic approach to care that meets the specific, demanding realities of industry workers.
BCCA EBT: A Foundation Built on Support, Not Profit
When evaluating benefit options, it is essential for construction employers to choose a plan designed with these unique challenges in mind. This is where the BCCA EBT model stands apart.
The BCCA EBT is a not-for-profit trust governed by and for our members. We are not driven by shareholders. Instead, every dollar is reinvested to support members. This philosophy ensures that our plans are stable, sustainable, and built specifically for the unique needs of employers and workers with variable and complex employment structures. It is a perfect fit for the construction sector’s often cyclical nature.
Our stability gives organizations the ability to budget year to year through rate predictability, ensuring quality benefits are maintained even during industry fluctuations.
Direct Access to Critical Mental Health Care
Recognizing the urgent need for accessible mental health services, the BCCA EBT plan includes immediate, private, and covered access to essential mental wellness resources. These are not services that require lengthy waiting periods or additional costs. They are built into your plan:
1. Kii Health – MindBeacon Therapist Assisted iCBT This program offers a flexible, effective path to improved mental well-being:
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Licensed Therapist Matching: Employees complete an online assessment and are matched with a licensed therapist.
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Guided CBT: Your therapist guides you through a personalized Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) program, featuring readings and exercises designed to build resilience and improve mental health.
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Unlimited Messaging: The program includes unlimited messaging with your therapist and is fully covered by the BCCA Employee Benefit Trust.
2. Self-Guided CBT For employees who prefer flexibility or initial privacy, this self-guided resource is invaluable:
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Own Pace, Own Space: Employees can work through practical strategies and build essential coping skills using readings, videos, and exercises they complete at their own pace.
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Cost-Free Access: This program is covered at no cost to the employee or their dependent family members.
These tools provide tangible, actionable support that can be accessed confidentially from any job site or home, addressing the common barrier of accessing in-person care.
Join the Movember Conversation
Movember is the annual reminder that we need to actively address health issues. For the construction industry, this means moving beyond the traditional culture of silence and implementing benefit solutions that provide real, accessible help.
By supporting comprehensive benefit plans that prioritize mental health, employers are not just offering a perk. They are investing in the stability, safety, and longevity of their workforce. A healthier worker is a safer, more productive worker.
If you are an employer, Movember is the perfect time to evaluate whether your current benefits plan truly supports the whole health of your team. Choosing the right benefits provider is your opportunity to demonstrate genuine care and commitment to the people who build your business.
Ready to Build a Healthier Team?
We understand that choosing an employee benefits plan can be complex, and we are here to partner with you to ensure you get the right and best plan for your organization’s unique structure and employees.
For more information, to discuss your specific needs, and to receive a complimentary benefits plan analysis designed for your business, please fill out our contact form: bccabenefits.ca/contact/
Builders Code is also available with resources to help organizations build a psychologically safe work environment that supports mental health. Contact: theteam@buildercode.ca
