H&E Rentals has launched a Mental Health and Hope training module to shed light on the mental health crisis that is taking place today and to offer information and resources to its own employees as well as any other company in the equipment industry that could benefit from the information. One of the first of its kind in the equipment rental industry, this training was created by H&E Learning with the help of the nation’s leading mental health advocates and experts, including the Huntsman Family Foundation, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Health Action Alliance, American Psychiatric Association Foundation, and others.
In a heartfelt communication to H&E employees at the launch, CEO Brad Barber explained, “When I say nothing is more important to me than the health and safety of our employees, I mean every word. H&E is still very much a family environment, and this culture can only continue to exist when we take the time to care enough about one another’s needs and look for ways to provide support.
“Unfortunately, many of us received a wake-up call regarding mental health when one of our friends and leaders died by suicide. This individual was loved and respected by those he led and interacted with daily. He was highly successful in his work, and he and his team were making great progress. To say we were shocked would be a massive understatement.”
Since that time, Barber and others in the local community as well as across the rental industry have worked with intention to address a variety of areas regarding mental health, including the harmful stigma that has kept those affected by mental health issues from seeking and receiving help.
“When it comes to something this important, there is no industry competition. We’re happy to be able to share all the information we’ve gathered as well as the mental health training we’ve developed,” said Barber.
Through H&E’s Learning Management System, the module was assigned to all employees – now numbering nearly 3,000 – as part of the company’s yearly required instruction. In announcing the new training, Barber said, “The information will enlighten and educate you, making you more informed about mental health and enabling you to help yourself or direct others in crisis. For some of you, this could be the most important 15 minutes of training you will ever receive.”
“Workplace wellness should be vital in all businesses – no matter the size of the organization,” added Christena Huntsman Durham of the Huntsman Family Foundation. “It produces good outcomes for productivity and, more importantly, for the people who make companies successful: the employees. So grateful to H&E for creating the training and resources that can benefit anyone.”
Those who may be interested in offering this instruction to their employees can view the course slides and other resources online at community-awareness.com. For additional information, contact [email protected].
Other resources include:
American Rental Association Article
https://news.ararental.org/mental-health-issues-affect-many
American Rental Association Lunch & Learn Video
https://news.ararental.org/ara-lunch-learn-why-mental-health-and-wellness-awareness-matters-1
