7 minute read
I Am OK (I Think); Are You OK?
by ASCPA
I Am OK (I Think);
Are You OK?
Advertisement
by David L. James, CPA (Retired), CCIFP
Many of you may remember the article in the February, 2020 Journal of Accountancy by Mark Cowan entitled, “Depression and the CPA.” Cowan bravely plowed headlong into a discussion on the challenges of those suffering from a mental illness and the stigma associated with such a diagnosis. In August, the ASCPA Corporate Finance and Construction Conference will be exploring this issue in one of the conference sessions, Workplace Safety: A Leader’s Guide to Mental Wellness. This session will focus on the critical role of the workplace in overcoming the stigma Cowan spoke about. We will also look into the occupation experiencing the highest rate of suicide deaths: construction and extraction.
The multi-faceted struggles of the past few months, courtesy of COVID-19, have accelerated mental health issues across the country as evidenced by suicide crisis hotlines that have seen a spike in people reaching out. Emotional and mental wellness can be tough in good times, but is even more difficult to maintain during times of uncertainty, with financial and family stressors impacting us daily. The unique circumstances we have faced over the past few months have taken away the stability of our daily routine. Many workers have been laid off or furloughed, and social distancing and isolation/shelter-in-place lifestyle patterns have become a new norm.
Why are we looking at these issues in the workplace? The workplace is, historically anyway, where we experience a significant amount of human contact and interaction. For those struggling with a mental illness, we need to make sure they know that they are not alone. Connectivity is important in maintaining mental and emotional wellness, and the workplace is an important setting to stay connected. Additionally, the workplace is where employees have an opportunity to notice changes in their co-workers and are in a position to help guide them to resources for help. Conversely, isolation is a leading factor for those at risk for suicide. With the recent effects of COVID-19, many workers have been isolated from their fellow workers. Especially impacted are those who are single and live alone and have been either furloughed, laid off or are working from home.
A workplace culture that promotes mental wellness is a direct reflection of company leadership. Leadership is not about “being in charge,” rather it is about caring for those “in your charge.” In order for a company to achieve this cultural transformation, top down commitment to education, awareness and elimination of stigma must be a part of their strategic plan. It is important to open up the dialogue about mental illness and suicide prevention, so it becomes natural and a comfortable conversation. If a workplace environment supports a culture of openness and stigma elimination, workers will be more likely to apply this same understanding to family and community.
Why are construction and extraction number one in suicide deaths? There are a number of risk factors that place someone with a mental illness or challenged by life circumstances in danger of suicide. For construction/ extraction, the nature of the occupational demands create a perfect storm of many of these risk factors. While they are certainly not exclusive to this occupational group, as several of these risks are also found within the CPA profession, the risks are heightened
by the industry stressors impacting the construction workforce. To highlight just a few:
Old school stoic and “tough guy” mentality is certainly a common trait of construction workers and the culture of an industry noted for a “get it done” attitude.
Construction workers who are assigned to projects away from home experience isolation, and the negative mental impact of missing family, church and community activities can be significant.
In Arizona, construction has remained active during the COVID-19 crisis, but end of project furloughs and seasonal layoffs are ever present on the minds of our workers. All projects eventually are completed, and workers have no employment guarantees for the next project.
The high incidence of construction worker injury and chronic pain can lead to drug and alcohol abuse. This worker risk factor has grown recently from the current COVID-19 stressors, which have resulted in a reported increase in both opioid and alcohol use.
Long hours, experienced by both CPAs, as well a construction workers, do impact your mental state. And in the case of construction projects scheduled for night work and split shifts, workers will likely experience sleep disruption patterns.
These risk factors and many others will be discussed at the conference, as well as ideas on helping reduce the mental and emotional impact associated with our professions. Cowen opened the door to the solution when he stated, “The profession as a whole needs to talk more about mental health.” Workers in need of help need to feel safe in asking for it, and we need to recognize when someone needs help. Education is key in providing our employees the tools to understand the risk factors, recognize the suicide warning signs and know what resources are available. Cowan was lucky, he had a friend who recognized a problem and bluntly stated, “Mark, you are in need of care.” We all must have the ability to recognize those
Suicide Crisis Hotlines by County
Maricopa — (800) 631-1314 and (602) 222-9444 Pima — (800) 796-6762 or (520) 622-6000 Graham, Greenlee, Cochise and Santa Cruz — (866) 495-6735 Gila River and Ak-Chin Indian Communities — (800) 259-3449 Yuma, La Paz, Pinal and Gila — (866) 495-6735 Mohave, Coconino, Apache, Navajoand Yavapai — (877) 756-4090
needing help and be brave enough to ask the hard questions.
Resources are available, and once again, the workplace can be a vital connection to needed services. An employee assistance program (EAP) can be an effective way to provide confidential services to employees on many issues that impact their lives. An EAP can be a great partner to help with your worker education efforts on this topic. Not all EAPs are created equal, so do your homework. Additionally, companies should provide workers with community resources, so they know they have alternatives.
If you have not read the article by Mark Cowan, I recommend that you do. If you are looking for more information as a construction professional, go to www.preventconstructionsuicide. com. If you would like to research more general workplace resources, go to www. workplacesuicideprevention.com. If you, or someone you know, are at risk and in need of mental health services, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-8255 or one of the county resources listed on this page. To find out more about this topic, we hope to see you at the Corporate Finance and Construction Conference on August 28 at the Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix. l
David L. James, CPA (Retired),
CCIFP, is formerly the CFO for FNF Construction, Inc., a heavy highway contractor based in Tempe. He has over 45 years of financial and corporate experience in the construction industry. In 2019, James received CFMA’s Danny Parish Outstanding Leadership Award. James is active in suicide prevention, and was appointed to the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention. He currently serves as chair of the CFMA Suicide Prevention Committee and serves on the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention, a 501(c)3 dedicated to suicide prevention awareness, education and providing workplace resources to the construction industry. James will be speaking on the subject of: Workplace Safety: A Leaders Guide to Mental Wellness at the Corporate Finance and Construction Conference on Aug. 28.
Desert Willow Conference Center Available In-Person or via Webcast Recommended CPE Credit: 8 hours
Enhance your knowledge on a broad range of topics relevant to leaders in the construction and corporate finance industries. This conference is not just for CPAs who work in construction – it is for CPAs who work in corporate finance in any industry. Get the latest insights on popular topics such as succession planning, cybersecurity and an economic update. Personalize your conference experience by choosing sessions from one or both industry tracks.
General Sessions:
KEYNOTE: Economic Update for the U.S. and Arizona Dennis L. Hoffman, W.P. Carey School of Business
Current Cyber Threat Joseph Hooper, Supervisory Special Agent, FBI
Supporting a Workforce During a Crisis Aaron Peterson, MBA, CPM, City of Tempe
Breakout Sessions
Impact of COVID-19 on Construction Projects Mike Holden, Holden Willits PLC Succession Planning in Periods of Uncertainty Mary Anne Sisco, The Northern Trust Company The New Lease Standard: The Bark and the Bite Matthew J. Waller, CPA, Henry+Horne An Interactive Experience With Blockchain Technology and How It Applies to Accounting Vincent Michael LoRusso, CPA, TrueUp Co. Workplace Safety: A Leader’s Guide to Mental Wellness David L. James, CPA (retired), CCIFP Backup Withholding/Employment Tax Implications & 1099-NEC Lisa Novack, IRS Updates on the Evolving Area of Pandemic Alphabet Soup and Managing Risks Julie Pace, J.D., Gammage & Burnham Strategic Planning for a Business’s Overall Success Daniel R. Siburg, CPA, CVA, The Siburg Company 18 AZ CPA JULY/AUGUST 2020
Check ascpa.com/cfcc20 for the most current schedule.
Thank You to Our Sponsors:
Platinum Sponsor:
Gold Sponsors: Paychex STO4KIDZ Wallace, Plese + Dreher, LLP
Register online or by phone at (602) 252-4144
