Waihanga Ora, Live Well, Build Well is a new initiative helping builders and tradies cope better with the ups and downs of the residential construction industry.
Live Well, Build Well shares practical tools and ideas that construction businesses can use to build resilience, reduce stress levels and help prevent common workplace injuries.
The programme was set up at the end of last year with the backing of the Mental Health Foundation and ACC.
How does it work?
Live Well Build Well packages the science of wellbeing into builder-friendly, accessible video clips using relatable, work-based examples. Topics covered include managing everyday workplace pressures, healthy thinking strategies and mindsets, breathing techniques, sleep, nutrition, body conditioning, rest, and recovery time.
The aim is to pass on mental skills and wellbeing habits that research shows make people physically and mentally more robust.
Live Well, Build Well encourages tradies to think about their wellbeing like a bank account and make regular 'investments' in things that boost their wellbeing so they have something to 'draw on' when times are tough.
Research shows that simple daily habits such as staying in touch with mates, keeping the body moving, taking time to enjoy simple pleasures in life, learning new things to stay fresh and giving back to friends and community can all improve our wellbeing so we can perform at our best.
How does Live Well, Build Well help tradies and builders manage work pressure?
The approach acknowledges that many of the industry's challenges - supply chain issues, adverse weather, labour shortages, regulations, changing economic conditions - are beyond anyone's control.
Live Well, Build Well, therefore, focuses on the things people can control and the mental skills they can learn to keep well and perform under pressure. The programme is relevant for anyone working in a busy, high-pressure environment.
How do I keep in the loop?
Live Well Build Well's videos feature builders and topic experts sharing their wellbeing tips and tools. The videos have already racked up 1,000s of views on Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn. There's also a website, www.livewellbuildwell.com with more detailed information.
Live Well, Build Well, therefore, focuses on the things people can control and the mental skills they can learn to keep well and perform under pressure.
How can I contribute?
Our experience is that once you get tradies talking about this topic, people have a lot of great insights to share. So start a convo in your workplace and find out what would work best for your team to manage the industry's challenges.
To find out more, follow Live Well Build Well on Facebook, visit Work Should Not Hurt at www.chasnz.org, or check out www.livewellbuildwell.com