This past quarter, I had the opportunity to go to the Artex Risk Management Conference with several interesting speakers on topics related to safety, health, and wellness. The goal for going to the conference is to get ideas, stay up to date on the many rules and regulations we work with, and help improve Red Ball Oxygen's overall health, safety, and environment. One of the meeting topics was focused on mental health in the workplace, and I wanted to share with you some of the things I came away with.

US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released a framework for mental health and well-being in the workplace about 18 months ago, outlining the foundational role that workplaces play in promoting the health and well-being of workers and communities. With more than 160 million people participating in the United States workforce and with the average full-time worker in the United States spending about half of their waking life at work, workplaces play a significant role in shaping our mental and physical well-being. This framework outlines five essential criteria to best support the mental health and well-being of workers in America. Without going into the specifics of each point, I want to focus on what I think we do well, what we have to offer, and ask for your feedback if you have suggestions on how we can be better.

Connection and Community: Fostering positive social interaction and relationships in the workplace supports worker well-being. In a world that is too often divided, our workplace is always trying to find and maintain the relationships that will withstand the winds of change, both with our customer base and with each other. It is through finding common ground between people, genuinely caring for one another, and drinking the "Kool-Aid" of our commitment to Customer Service that allows us to say, "Welcome to the Red Ball Family!" to new employees and customers alike. The Red Ball Family creates a culture of inclusion and belonging, cultivates trusted relationships, and fosters collaboration and teamwork. You see that at the branch level and corporate level, with after-work activities and get-togethers, company-sponsored volunteer work, employee support for one another across the board, and the long-term customer relationships we have been able to maintain over the years.  

Opportunities for Growth: When organizations create opportunities for workers to accomplish goals based on their skills and growth, those workers become more optimistic about their abilities and more enthusiastic about contributing to the organization. There are innumerable examples of this illustrated within our company, and I am one of them. When the Safety and Compliance position became available a few years back, Krysta sent out an open positions email, like she still does today, communicating with all employees the position was available. The reason Krysta sends out the open positions email is because we prioritize and always like to promote from within. The encouragement of my supervisor and support from my team allowed me to try and do more for our company and challenge myself to be more. I have received training, education, and mentoring from within Red Ball and outside sources like this Risk Management Conference to help me be better prepared to serve. I know I was a bit naïve in the beginning and will always have more to learn, but that is what I am excited about. I am able to come to work, do the very best job I can for us, and continue to grow, both personally and professionally. I was given an opportunity that, without a doubt, wouldn't have been provided by another company. This is just my story; I imagine that you could go to any branch at Red Ball and hear a similar story where Red Ball, "the company," took a chance on an employee who wouldn't have had the opportunity somewhere else. In every branch and in every department at Red Ball Oxygen, we are always looking to support one another to realize our full potential. One of the most underutilized programs we have in place, that's been in place since before I came on board, is our Education Reimbursement Program, where we will help any existing employee with the desire for it, either go back or go to college to receive their degree. If you or any of your coworkers would like to explore this opportunity to receive your degree, please reach out to Krysta Cyr.

Mattering at Work: People want to know that they matter to those around them and that their work matters. Someone who knows they matter at work has been shown to have less stress, while someone who feels like they do not have an increased risk for depression. Red Ball's culture of gratitude and recognition through our Winning with Teamwork Awards is a good example of how we ensure everyone knows the work they put in is seen and appreciated by the company. Each person's individual responsibility, each department's focus, and working together allows us to accomplish what we have. Every person, no matter the role, is important to the overall health and well-being of the company. Every job is important to the group, and every decision impacts us all. If you ever wonder whether or not it's true, consider this. The bonus program, where the profits of the company are shared with the employees, is extraordinarily unusual in the business world. The reason all employees share in the bonus is because everyone's work made it possible. Our leadership decided long ago to show appreciation for the work that is put in by sharing the profits of that work.        

The most important part of our business is our people. The health, safety, and wellness of Red Ball's employees are a priority. With the improved health of everyone through our personalized health platform, Virgin Pulse, and our Employee Assistance Program, which provides tips and strategies for everyday life, and free legal/financial consultations, and counseling services, just to name a few, you don't have to look far to see, Red Ball cares, and appreciates everyone in the Red Ball Family. Red Ball Oxygen has held employees' Safety, Health, and Wellness as a priority from the beginning, long before the US Surgeon General released his outline, and will continue to look for innovative ideas to improve our culture.  

Remember, if you need help, have questions, or are looking for advice, you have a family around you to support you and help you achieve your goals. The Red Ball Family is not only a name; it is who we are and what we do. 

Written by

Travis Self, Safety Coordinator