It’s ok not to feel ok — and it’s absolutely ok to ask for help
Construction and fit-out runs on grit – on early starts, tight deadlines, and people who get things done. That culture is something to be proud of. It can also make it harder to say the words that matter most: “I’m not feeling ok.”
As a regular columnist, I Am Here – a wellbeing partner working with organisations across the construction and fit-out industry – will be exploring what it means to build a culture of care, one compassionate connection at a time.
Mental health and wellbeing is no longer a conversation for the margins. It sits at the centre of how organisations retain people, sustain productivity, and take genuine care of their teams. The gap between good intentions and real cultural change comes down to two things: the courage to ask for help and support, and the confidence to guide others towards it.
Help-seeking – putting your hand up and saying you’re struggling – requires trust. In industries where resilience is worn as a badge of honour, that trust has to be deliberately built. Help-offering – noticing when a colleague isn’t ok and knowing how to reach out – is equally underdeveloped. Most people want to Show you care, Ask the question and Call for help. They just don’t always have the courage, confidence, and skills to do it.
Jim Breen, founder I Am Here
The environment that makes both possible is psychological safety – the shared belief that it’s safe to speak up, to be honest, and to be human, without fear of judgement. Building that culture is where the real work begins. And it starts at the top.
Alan O’Grady, Managing Director of Western Postform, has been on this journey with I Am Here for six years. His take on what makes it work is straightforward: “It’s about being open and being vulnerable. Sharing that you mightn’t be feeling well today, and that’s ok. Just because you’re a leader doesn’t mean you’re stronger than anyone else on your team. Open up and share your story with them.”
That leadership creates permission for everyone else to do the same. The World Health Organisation tells us only 30% of people facing a mental health and wellbeing challenge will seek help and support. At Western Postform, 68% of Team Members say they would — and 87% feel confident guiding a colleague to do the same. Those numbers represent years of courage, consistency, and care.
In the months ahead, we will explore the practical steps that make this culture real – from supporting managers to have better conversations, to embedding wellbeing into the everyday rhythm of a working day. The goal is to create workplaces where people genuinely believe it’s ok not to feel ok; and it’s absolutely ok to ask for help.
For more information about I Am Here,
contact: [email protected]
