Building a Stronger You
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our world in ways we have never seen before. As we continue adjusting to life during the time of coronavirus, many of us are struggling. Caterpillar cares about its employees and recognizes that good health—including good mental health—is good for business. While mental health issues are common, high-impact, and treatable, many leaders and employees may never get the support they need. Education and awareness are key to prevention and seeking help early, and Caterpillar offers many resources to help.
The Building a Stronger You Campaign aims to engage employees while removing the stigma surrounding mental health by increasing the visibility, knowledge, and utilization of Caterpillar’s Total Health benefits. Check back here for new resources—both for leaders and employees—as we target a variety of unique mental health topics.
Topic 17 - Surviving and Thriving During the Holidays
TOPIC 17: Surviving and Thriving During the Holidays
The holiday season can be filled with fun activities and meaningful moments with friends and family. But for many people, it also comes with added stress—especially when we’re still in the midst of a pandemic. Are you anxious about traveling with your family over the holidays? Wondering how you can avoid gaining unwanted pounds? Looking for help managing holiday stress? Or wanting to avoid getting or sharing a cold, flu, or COVID?
You’re in luck! We’ve put together the perfect gift package for you with quick and easy-to-read articles to help you survive and thrive this holiday season.
EMPLOYEE RESOURCES
Navigating December Holidays During COVID-19
Managing Stress and Staying Resilient During the Holidays
Simple Pleasures to Bring You Closer As a Family Over the Holidays
Your Guide to Holiday Peacekeeping
Presentation: Health and Hygiene
Tips for Preventing Colds and Flu
Topic 16 - Developing a Growth Mindset
TOPIC 16: Developing a Growth Mindset
When confronting a challenge or major change, do you find yourself anxious and backing away? Or do you find yourself invigorated by change and eager tackle the challenge? Do you stick with what you know, or do you happily enter unfamiliar work?
Our tendencies when confronted with a challenge or change may be a result of what researchers call our mindset. Those with a Fixed Mindset tend to avoid challenges and lean into areas where they are comfortable and likely to succeed, while those with a Growth Mindset are more likely to embrace challenge and change as part of the excitement (or reward) of the outcome.
While our mindset is developed over years (and is related to how we were parented), with time and practice, it can be changed. No matter our age, we can work to alter the messages we send to ourselves about challenges and change and develop a Growth Mindset.
EMPLOYEE RESOURCES
Video: Five Things in 5 Minutes - Developing a Change Mindset
Video: Developing a Growth Mindset with Carol Dweck
A Complete Guide to Changing Your Fixed Mindset into a Growth Mindset
Topic 15 - Managing Anxiety and Depression
TOPIC 15: Managing Anxiety and Depression
As our lives continue to be impacted by the pandemic, many of us may experience symptoms of anxiety and depression. Even though these mental health conditions are common and treatable, most of us do not get the proper care we need. With October 10 being World Mental Health Day, now is an opportune time to check up on ourselves, advocate against mental health stigma, and raise awareness of the many screenings, tools and resources available to those who may be struggling.
EMPLOYEE RESOURCES
Depression: Know You Are Not Alone
Video: Finally Friday - Depression and Mental Health Screening
LEADER RESOURCES
Topic 14 - R U Really OK?
TOPIC 14: R U Really OK?
As the COVID-19 pandemic wears on and new variants are causing us to take steps backward, now is a good time to check in with yourself and those around you to ask: R U really OK? If you’re struggling or you know someone who is, you’re not alone. The past 18 months have been a source of constant change, which is weighing on many of us.
R U OK? is a campaign that encourages all of us to recognize when others need a little extra support. It provides simple, memorable guidelines we can use to intervene early and help those around us, including:
- How to recognize signs when you or someone you know might need help
- How to ask R U really OK?
- Where to turn for support
We all can use an occasional boost. During these trying times, we need to watch out for ourselves and one another to maintain good mental health.
EMPLOYEE RESOURCES
Topic 13 - Preparing for Returning to the Workplace
TOPIC 13: Preparing for Returning to the Workplace
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the lives of Caterpillar employees and families worldwide. Most have coped well. But now, many will be challenged by a second wave of change during the return to our workplaces and resuming full interactions with our colleagues and communities. For some, this is already happening. For others, it hasn’t started. No two of us have experienced the pandemic the same way, but all of us may experience some challenges during the process.
EMPLOYEE RESOURCES
Returning to the Workplace: Tips to Ensure a Successful Return
Tips for Adjusting to the Return to the Workplace
Managing Change: Taking Care of Yourself While Returning to Work
Managing Uncertainty and Change: What Does “Return to Normal” Mean to You?
Coping with the Emotions of Uncertainty and Change
Effective Communication While Wearing Face Coverings
8 Tips for Improving Communication When Wearing a Face Covering
Returning to School: Supporting Children During Uncertainty and Change
Managing Change: Supporting Children Going Back to School
Workday Learning: Emotional Intelligence (requires CWS login)
Workday Learning: Navigating New Professional and Social Norms When Offices Reopen (requires CWS login)
Workday Learning: Supporting Your Team as Offices Reopen (requires CWS login)
Workday Learning: Managing Projects as Offices Reopen (requires CWS login)
Topic 12 - Digital Body Language
TOPIC 12: Digital Body Language
Ever read an email in which the words didn’t match the tone? Or, received a text that seemed like it was 127 paragraphs long and wondered why the sender didn’t email it instead?
The modern digital workplace and remote work have provided new opportunities and some challenges to how we communicate. Digital communications through texting, instant messages, email and video chat are now the norm — and there’s plenty of room for misinterpretation.
Digital body language is made up of the subtle cues and signals underlying our digital messages. Just like physical body language, understanding digital body language and putting that knowledge into practice can help us communicate more effectively and build healthy, productive relationships.
EMPLOYEE RESOURCES
Video: Digital EQ - Effectively Communicating & Building Strong Relationships in a Digital Workplace
Presentation: Digital Body Language - Leveraging EQ in a Digital Workplace
Digital Body Language - Leveraging EQ to Improve Your Remote Work and Digital Communication
Topic 11 - BUILDING A ROADMAP TO MENTAL HEALTH
TOPIC 11: BUILDING A ROADMAP TO MENTAL HEALTH
We all have mental health. Like physical health, mental health is on a continuum. Sometimes it is better than at other times. Good mental health is not just the absence of an illness — it is a state of well-being where we can tolerate stress, rebound from challenges, and contribute productively at work, home and in our communities.
Mental health doesn’t just happen to us. There are biological, psychological and social factors that contribute to our mental health — many of which we can control. Setting specific goals to adopt resilient behaviors can help build a mental health roadmap to preventing illness and ensuring good mental well-being.
EMPLOYEE RESOURCES
Presentation: Mental Health and Resilience - Building Your Roadmap to Mental Health
Building Your Mental Health Roadmap
Topic 10 - Tips for Managing Holiday Stress
TOPIC 10: TIPS FOR MANAGING HOLIDAY STRESS
The holiday season can be a joyous time, but for many of us, it can also bring added pressure and responsibilities. And the pandemic, as well as the loss some of us have experienced this year, are only adding to the tension.
Holiday stress can affect anyone. With the busyness of the season, it’s only natural to feel the pressure of juggling priorities, year-end deadlines, shopping, cooking, decorating, family dynamics, and finances. Add to that the expectations we and our family set for ourselves to create the perfect holiday memories, and the stress can really start to pile up.
The good news is that there are ways to manage and minimize the strain you may feel. This season, it’s important to take time for yourself to refocus, plan, and prioritize.
EMPLOYEE RESOURCES
Video: Managing Stress and Staying Resilient During the Holidays
Coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder
Navigating December Holidays During COVID-19
Simple Pleasures to Bring You Closer as a Family Over the Holidays
Top Ten Tips for Remaining Psychologically Resilient
Your Guide to Holiday Peacekeeping
Topic 9 - Finding Purpose
TOPIC 9: FINDING PURPOSE IN THE PANDEMIC
The year 2020 has been a tumultuous one for all of us. The global pandemic has many people reassessing their priorities, examining how they spend their time, and revisiting their purpose. Although these unprecedented times have brought much heartbreak, uncertainty, and fear, with them also comes an opportunity to reflect on the bigger picture.
EMPLOYEE RESOURCES
Seven Ways to Find Your Purpose in Life
How I’m Finding Purpose and Connection in a Pandemic
LEADER RESOURCES
Caterpillar LinkedIn Learning Library - Video: Finding Your Purpose at Work
Topic 8 - Building Resilience
TOPIC 8: BUILDING RESILIENCE
All of us will experience stress. Most of us encounter stressful situations daily. Have you ever wondered why some people seem to tolerate stress well while others do not? Have you ever noticed that some people bounce back quickly after adversity while others dwell on it, struggle with emotional reactions, and perhaps even become ill? The difference is related to our resilience, or the ability to cope, adapt, and bounce back after life's challenges.
Resilience isn’t something that some people have and others do not; it isn’t something we are born with. Resilience is a set of skills and behaviors that we can learn and must practice every day in order to endure and grow from life’s stress. Resilience is more important than ever as we continue to adjust to the changes and uncertainty of these challenging times.
EMPLOYEE RESOURCES
Presentation: Habits of Highly Resilient People
Presentation: Irrational Thinking
Quick Tips for Healthy, Rational Thinking
The Five Fundamentals of Resilience
eBook: FACE COVID – How to Respond Effectively to the Corona Crisis
Video: FACE COVID – How to Respond Effectively to the Corona Crisis
Video Series: Five Things in 5 Minutes
TED Talk: 3 Secrets of Resilient People
Webinar: Special Edition Finally Friday - Coping With COVID-19
Webinar: Emotional Well-Being During COVID-19
LEADER RESOURCES
Topic 7 - Mental Health First Responder Training
TOPIC 7: Mental Health First Responder Training
Approximately 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health condition at some point in their lives. When we struggle with mental health problems, it can affect our work, home life and even our relationships. And sometimes the disruption it causes can be severe, even life threatening.
The good news is that help is available. Unfortunately, many never get the mental health care they need due shame and stigma, a lack of recognition of the problem or they just don’t know where to turn for help. That’s where you come in — as a Mental Health First Responder, you can become a bridge to the care a struggling person needs.
Mental Health First Responder training equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to detect when others are experiencing a significant mental health problem, provide basic support, and then help link them to the available care.
EMPLOYEE RESOURCES
Mental Health First Responder (MHFR) Training
| Introductory Overview (Prerecorded) |
This 40-minute, introductory training provides basic information about mental health and the Mental Health First Responder (MHFR) model. Participants will learn the basic components and skills needed to be an effective Mental Health First Responder. This course is a prerequisite for the Application Workshop. Register via Workday. |
| Application Workshop (Live) |
This interactive, 2-hour virtual workshop builds on the fundamental skills learned in the Mental Health First Responder (MHFR) Introductory Overview. Participants are invited to apply the MHFR components to situations in their lives and real-life case examples. This application workshop is offered the first Thursday of each month from 9am to 11am CT. Register via Workday. |
FIRST RESPONDER REFERENCES
- Drug Addiction
- Dealing With Anger
- Anxiety
- Communication - Listening for Understanding
- Depression
- Difficult Conversations
- Emotional Intelligence
- Staying Focused
- Developing a Growth Mindset
- Building Resilience
- Rest and Recovery
- Setting Personal Boundaries
- Suicidal Thoughts
- Workplace Gossip
- Abusive Relationships
TOPIC 6 - R U OK?
TOPIC 6: R U OK?
Any of us, at any time, can run into problems where we may need some extra help. Often in those situations, we don’t know where to turn for support. Most of the time, the best source of help can be those who know us, see us every day, and recognize when problems arise.
R U OK? provides simple, memorable guidelines we can use to intervene early and help those around us. As friends, family and coworkers, we are well placed to notice the small changes that might suggest someone is struggling.
EMPLOYEE RESOURCES
How to Manage Emotional Reactions
Video: Australia R U OK? Day 2020
LEADER RESOURCES
R U OK? - Information for Managers and Team Leaders
A Practical Guide to Supporting R U OK?
Find additional resources and learn more at R U OK? at TotalHealth.cat.com > R U OK?
TOPIC 5 - MENTAL HEALTH SCREENING
TOPIC 5: MENTAL HEALTH SCREENING
All of us will experience stress or challenging events in our lives. An estimated 15 percent of us will experience a mental health condition each year. One in four will experience a mental illness in our lifetime. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these numbers appear to be increasing.
Even though mental health conditions are common and treatments readily available, most of us never get the care we need. One of the reasons is we often don’t recognize we are struggling until there is a significant problem in our lives at home or work. Sometimes we don’t notice the signs until we have problems in our relationships or someone calls it to our attention.
Recognition of a mention health condition is essential to getting help and preventing our mental health from having a negative impact on our everyday lives. The screening tools linked below cover a variety of common mental health issues and can help identify problems so you can access supportive resources as soon as possible. If you or someone you know is struggling, Caterpillar's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides free, confidential service to employees and their eligible family members to help meet many challenges at home and work.
EMPLOYEE RESOURCES
Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory
Post-Traumatic Stress Screening
LEADER RESOURCES
TOPIC 4 - LIFEWORKS
TOPIC 4: LIFEWORKS
We are excited to launch a new Employee Assistance Program (EAP) digital platform for employees and their families: LifeWorks by Morneau Shepell. This new digital health and well-being platform expands our EAP with enhanced web and mobile technology.
What is LifeWorks:
LifeWorks is the new digital platform for Caterpillar’s Employee Assistance Program, provided by Morneau Shepell. The website can be accessed online or through the LifeWorks app, which can be downloaded for free in your device’s app store.
LifeWorks is available in 47 languages and includes 24/7 access to Caterpillar's confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Some of the features include:
- Local phone numbers for Caterpillar’s global EAP
- Easy access to EAP support through email or chat
- Information, self-assessments, and resources to support physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
- Newsfeed to help stay connected with other Caterpillar employees and families
- Perks and savings
- Invite family members to log on and create a profile
How to access LifeWorks?
- Log onto caterpillar.lifeworks.com or download the LifeWorks app from your device’s app store.
- Enter your CWS credentials to log on with single sign-on.
- Click "Log In."
- Complete as much or little of your profile as you choose.
More details on how family members can access the site is available here.
EMPLOYEE RESOURCES
Topic 3 - Coping with Uncertainty and Change
TOPIC 3: COPING WITH UNCERTAINTY AND CHANGE
We are living in extraordinarily uncertain times. The pandemic has brought tremendous amount of change and disruption in our daily lives. We still don’t know how or when the pandemic will end — or what it will mean for our lives and the lives of our loved ones in the future. While many things remain outside our control, our mindset is key to coping with difficult circumstances and facing the unknown.
Under this topic, we discuss:
Dealing with uncertainty
Supporting children during uncertainty and returning to school
While each one of us may have a unique way to deal with uncertainty and change, we created a few general resources that will help you navigate through these testing times and try to maintain a positive outlook.
EMPLOYEE RESOURCES
Video: Introduction to Topic 3: Coping with Uncertainty and Change
Dealing with Uncertainty
Supporting Children
LEADER RESOURCES
Leader Presentation: Leading Through Uncertain Times and Emotions
Video: Dr. Pompe: Voiceover: Leading Through Uncertain Times and Emotions
Leader Tips Handout: Leading Through Uncertain Times and Emotions
Caterpillar LinkedIn Learning Library - Video: TEDx Perth – Jason Clarke – Embracing Change
WEBINAR
Coping During Uncertain Times - August 5, 2020, Evening Session
Topic 2 - Building Relationships
TOPIC 2: BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
Building relationships is a fundamental part of our Total Health and our ability to manage through life’s challenges. When our relationships are healthy and productive, we are more effective at home, at work, and in our communities. When our relationships are problematic or we are socially isolated, we can be less productive and experience more mental and physical health problems. Research shows we don’t need a large collection of social connections. But to gain the protective benefits, we need a few trusted healthy relationships in our lives.
Under this topic, we will discuss three key elements of healthy relationships:
Building trust, active listening, and empathy
Difficult conversations
Conflict resolution
There are no easy answers and no single pathway to ensure our relationships are healthy and happy. But this information is designed to address some key elements in building relationships and some of the challenges that get in our way.
EMPLOYEE RESOURCES
Tips on Trust, Listening, and Empathy
Difficult Conversations
Conflict Resolutions
LEADER RESOURCES
Topic 1 - EAP
TOPIC 1: EAP
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a voluntary, confidential service provided to employees and their eligible family members to help meet many challenges at home and work. Caterpillar was one of the first companies to offer EAP decades ago. EAP is now a standard Caterpillar benefit worldwide supporting the well-being of Caterpillar employees, families and workplaces.
HOW EAP CAN HELP
Most of us have the support of our family, friends, neighbors or religious leaders. But speaking to a trained helping professional about a private concern is very common today. Often when help is needed, it can be costly and difficult to locate. EAP provides information, online resources, personal assessment, counseling and referrals delivered by professionals who are trained help us resolve a variety of personal and workplace concerns. When additional services are needed, they guide us to appropriate resources. EAP is very easy for you and your family to access.
EAP provides clinical counseling, work/life resources and professional advice for these and other concerns:
- Stress and emotional concerns
- Improving relationships
- Dealing with workplace challenges
- Tackling addictions
- Finding child and elder care resources
- Legal advice
- Financial guidance
- Relocation support - domestic and ISEs
CONTACTING YOUR EAP
For access in North America, and for global support, call:
+1-866-CAT (228)-0565
Global access numbers can be found at:
EAP Website and email access to services
Mobile app and text access
Download the LifeWorks app from your device’s app store.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE EAP RESOURCES
UPCOMING WEBINARS:
Stay tuned!
PAST WEBINARS:
Preparing for Returning to the Workplace
Well-Being and Self-Care
Finding Purpose in the Pandemic
Building Resilience - Creating a Proactive Mental Health Plan
Mental Health First Responder Training
R U OK? 2020 – How to Support Those Around Us Who Are Struggling
Coping During Uncertain Times