BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries for 38 years October 10, 2022 VOL. 38, NO. 41
Employers Striving To Address Employee Mental Health Issues BY PHILLIP M. PERRY Every employer wants a healthy and happy workforce. Robust levels of productivity contribute mightily to the bottom line. Recent times, how- ever, have seen the rise of a threat to efficient operations: a growing incidence of employee mental health issues. “Nearly one in five adults is battling a mental health condition today,” said Lynn Merritt, Senior Vice President for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association ( bcbs.com ). “And only about half are receiving adequate treatment.”
SupplyOne, Inc. Acquires Provident Packaging Corp. Newtown Square, PA based SupplyOne, Inc., one of the largest independent suppliers of corrugated and other value-added packaging products in the United States, has announced the acquisition of Provident Packaging Corpo- ration, a privately-held distributor of industrial packaging supplies headquartered in Phila- delphia, PA. Established in 1967 by Lewis Gerber and his son, Allen Gerber, Provident Packaging has provided high-quality industrial pack- aging solutions for over 50 years. Today, third-generation Gerber family members James Gerber, President, and Adam Gerber, Director, Sales and Marketing, lead the busi- ness. Together, they continue the legacy of personalized, value-added service that has made the company an indispensable supply chain partner for Mid-Atlantic manufacturers. As a distributor of quality corrugated pack- aging, films, tapes, protective packaging, safety, and janitorial supplies, the Provident Packaging team made its mark by helping customers enhance their efficiencies and streamline their operations. The ability to help customers navigate challenges and increase
In the Fall of 2022 the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a panel of medical experts appointed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, recommended that all adult patients under the age of 65 be screened for anxiety during their physical exams. Anxiety is described as excessive fear or worry that interferes with an individual’s normal daily activities. “The pandemic has taken a tremendous toll on the mental health of youth and adults,” said Lori Pbert, a task force member. “We know it has heightened the trend toward more anxiety and depressive disorder that we’ve been seeing over the past decade or so.” The workplace is being hit especially hard. Some 76 percent of full-time employees reported experiencing at least one mental health symptom in the past year, according to a survey from Mind Share Part- ners, a workplace wellness consulting firm ( mindsharepartners.org ). Moreover, more than half the Gen Zers who make up a growing per- CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
WHAT’S INSIDE
6 x x 8 x x 12 x x 26 x x 3 Max Solutions Acquires The Ellis Group 6 Southern Champion Tray Acquires Evergreen Packaging KS Governor Kelly Joins Pratt Industries For Grand Opening 45 Chicago TAPPI’s ‘What’s New’ Program Is On For November 1
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Max Solutions Acquires The Ellis Group
AVERAGE CONTAINERBOARD PRICES The average prices reported are tabulated from prices PAID by various sources throughout the United States the week previous to issue. Prices in some areas of the country may be higher or lower than the tabulated average. The prices tabulated here are intended only for purposes of reference. They do not connote any commitment to sell any material at the indicated average. Transactions may be completed at any time at a price agreed upon by seller and purchaser.
New York based Max Solutions, Inc., a specialty packaging company launched in 2021, has announced the acquisi- tion of the Ellis Group, Canada’s largest family owned and operated folding carton company. Founded more than 40 years ago, the Ellis Group currently operates three manu- facturing facilities in Ontario. “The Ellis Group will provide state-of-the-art technol- ogy for our customers and augment our offerings geo- graphically,” said Marc Shore, CEO of Max Solutions. “This partnership is complementary on many levels in that it supports and strengthens our common end markets, cus- tomers, and cultures.” Bill Ellis, CEO of the Ellis Group, said they knew how important it was to find a partner that shared their commit- ment to excellence, service, and valued employees. “I am extremely proud of the company we built and have great appreciation for everyone who has contributed to its suc- cess. Max Solutions has the expertise and experience to take the Ellis Group to the next level,” Ellis said. Dennis Kaltman, President of Max Solutions, said they are happy to be back in Canada. “Both Marc and I have operated in Canada for many years with Multi Packaging Solutions (MPS) and before that, Shorewood Packaging, dating back to 1984,” he said.
REGION E. Coast Midwest Southeast Southwest
42# Kraft liner
26# Semi-Chem. Medium
$1005.00-1010.00 $1020.00-1030.00 $1020.00-1030.00 $1020.00-1030.00 $1050.00-1060.00 $1023.00-1032.00
Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del.
$940.00-990.00 $955.00-975.00 $955.00-975.00 $955.00-975.00 $975.00-995.00 $958.00-978.00
West Coast U.S. Average
SHEET PRICES BY REGION (AVERAGE) Per 1MSF, local delivery included, 50MSF single item order, truckload delivery. Sheets
E. Coast Midwest South-SW S. CA N.CA/WA-OR US Aver.
200# 275#
$62.26
$72.05
$62.69 $82.80
$85.35 119.54
$73.13 101.29
97.32
99.89
90.86
113.65
OYSTER UP-CHARGE 8.34
8.34
8.34
8.34
8.34
8.34
275# DBL-WALL 350# DBL-WALL
107.46 118.45
114.69 129.32
116.54 137.25 117.82 145.56
141.08 148.46
122.76 131.80
CANADIAN SHEET PRICES (AVERAGE) In Canadian Dollars, per 1MSF, local delivery included, under 50MSF single item order, truckload delivery. 200# 275# Oyster UC 275#DW 350#DW $78.56 $99.18 $9.00 $96.32 $105.83 CANADIAN LINERBOARD & MEDIUM The average prices reported are tabulated from prices PAID by various sources throughout Canada. Prices may be higher or lower in various areas of the country. The prices tabulated here are intended only for purposes of reference. They do not connote any commitment to sell any material at the indicated average. Transactions may be completed at any time at a price agreed upon by seller and purchaser. Prices are Canadian $ and per metric ton.
42# Kraft Liner 26#
Semi-Chem Medium
East West
$970.00
$960.00 $995.00
$1,015.00
3
October 10, 2022
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SupplyOne Acquires (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)
Core Competency
profitability was central to the brothers’ decision to be- come a SupplyOne company. “SupplyOne provides the growth engine we were seek- ing (or looking for) to take our business to the next level for our customers and employees,” said Adam Gerber. “Be- coming a SupplyOne company enhances every aspect of our business.” “The acquisition significantly expands our product and service offering to include custom manufacturing, primary packaging, packaging equipment, and additional services to bring new savings and cash flow to our customers,” said James Gerber. This is SupplyOne’s third acquisition in the Northeast since 2021 when it acquired Newark, New Jersey based Bell Container and Boston, Massachusetts based Roma- now Container. “The acquisition of Provident Packaging is another im- portant step in the execution of our growth strategy,” said SupplyOne’s Executive Chairman, Bill Leith. “The combina- tion of our corrugated converting capabilities, value-add- ed service and programs with Provident’s strong customer base and distribution expertise will allow to us to serve more customers in the important Pennsylvania and New Jersey area.” More information about SupplyOne can be found at www.supplyone.com .
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Southern Champion Tray Acquires Assets Of Evergreen Packaging Chattanooga, Tennessee based Southern Champion Tray (SCT), a manufacturer of paperboard packaging for the bakery and food service industry, announced that it will purchase the assets of La Mirada, California based Ever- green Packaging, effective October 3, 2022. Founded in 2001, Evergreen is a bakery, deli, food service, and whole- sale packaging provider with a predominant market pres- ence in California. The acquisition will strengthen SCT’s ability to further serve its West Coast customers and provide them with an ever-growing portfolio of fiber-based products and inno- vative packaging solutions. “This acquisition makes a lot of sense for SCT and Evergreen customers,” said SCT’s Pres- ident Brian Hunt. “With SCT’s expanded product offerings,
broader array of packaging options and a business model that focuses on great packaging and distinctive custom- er service, we are confident that the transaction will be positive for our customer partners. Similarly, the SCT team sees this as another opportunity to demonstrate that serv- ing is a privilege.” SCT continues to build its position as a leading manu- facturer of paperboard packaging with not only the pur- chase of Evergreen but also the recent purchase of Hon- eymoon Paper Products, Inc. in 2020. In addition to the acquisition growth, SCT is in the final stages of complet- ing the construction of a 320,000-square-foot additional manufacturing facility to accompany the current expand- ed presence in Chattanooga. “This new site will be highly automated and employ an additional 156 new SCT team members for which we are actively recruiting”, said Hunt. Since 1927, SCT has been manufacturing and distrib- uting quality, sustainable bakery, food service, and cater-
ing paperboard and corrugated packaging. Markets served include bakery, foodservice, frozen foods, supermarket, institutional, medical, pharmaceutical, personal care, cos- metic, retail, and more. Visit SCTray.com . AICC Announces 2022-2023 Slate Of Officers, Directors Members of AICC, The Independent Pack- aging Association, elected the its slate of officers and directors during AICC/TAPPI Corrugated Week, September 19-21 in San Antonio, Texas. The slate was approved by acclamation during the general session held Wednesday, September 21. In addition to the regular slate of directors, the membership of AICC also named one new delegate from the Association’s Emerging Leaders group, Jordan Dawson of Harris Packaging. AICC’s Associate (supplier) Members elected Jeff Dietz of Kolbus America as a Di- rector of the Associate Board. AICC’s Officers and Directors for 2022- 2023 are: Chair, Jana Harris, Harris Pack- aging & American Carton; First Vice Chair, Matt Davis, Package Express; Vice Chairs, Gary Brewer of Package Crafters, Finn Mac- Donald of Independent II, and Terri-Lynn Levesque of Royal Containers; Immediate Past Chair Gene Marino, Akers Packaging Group; Chairman, Past Chairmen’s Council, Jay Carman, StandFast Packaging Group; President, Michael M. D’Angelo, AICC, The Independent Packaging Association; Secre- tary/General Counsel, David Goch, Webster, Chamberlain, & Bean; and Administrator, CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
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AICC Drops New Episode Of Breaking Down Boxes
AICC Announces (CONT’D FROM PAGE 6)
AICC Canada, Lee Gould. Directors are: West: Sahar Mehrabzadeh-Garcia, Bay Cities; Southwest: Jenise Cox, Harris Packaging & Ameri- can Carton; Southeast: Michael Drummond, Packrite; Mid- west: Casey Shaw, Batavia Container; Great Lakes: Josh Sobel, Jamestown Container Cos.; Northeast: Stuart Fen- kel, McLean Packaging; and AICC Mexico: Sergio Mencha- ca, EKO Empaques De Carton S.A. De C.V. The Overseas Director is Kim Nelson of Royal Containers. Directors at Large are Kevin Ausburn, SMC Packaging Group; Eric Elgin, Oklahoma Interpack; Guy Ockerlund, Ox Box; Mike Schaefer, Tavens Packaging & Display Solutions; Ben DeSollar, Sumter Packaging; and Jack Fiterman, Liber- ty Diversified Industries. Advisors to the Chairman are: Al Hoodwin, Michigan City Paper Box; Gene Marino, Akers Packaging Group; and Greg Jones, SUN Automation Group. Emerging Leaders Delegates are: Lauren Frisch, Wasatch Container; John McQueary, CST Systems; and Jordan Dawson, Harris Packaging. Associate Member Directors are: Chairman, Greg Jones, SUN Automation Group; Vice Chairman, Tim Con- nell, A.G. Stacker; Secretary, John Burgess, Pamarco/ Ab- solute; Associate Board Director, Jeff Dietz, Kolbus Amer- ica; and Immediate Past Chairman, Associate Members, Joe Morelli, Huston Patterson & Lewisburg Printing Co.
Puhl custom designs systems to meet your needs. • Moving to a new facility? Puhl has experience moving entire plant systems all while minimizing down time in BOTH plants during the transition. • Below roof AND above roof systems custom designed to meet your needs. • New and Remanufactured Equipment (balers, blowers, separators, filters and more). Our Remanufactured equipment includes a warranty and offers significant savings. • NFPA and OSHA compliant systems designed by our NFPA trained engineering team. • Dust Briquetters, Certified Explosion Isolation Valves, Flame Front Diverters and more to control dust and meet NFPA requirements. • PLC Touch Screen Controls with Real Time Pressure Balancing and Real Time Remote Monitoring available on your smart phone or computer. AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, has an- nounced a new episode of Breaking Down Boxes, “Straight Down the Mountain.” Gene Marino and Joe Morelli will speak with Guy Ock- erlund and his son Eric Ockerlund of Addison, Illinois based Ox Box. “The stories of Independents vary dramat- ically from one to another. Guy’s and Eric’s story is as fas- cinating as the preceding ones shared. Ox Box is also a unique business. Another must-hear episode,” said AICC President Mike D’Angelo. At the age of 26, Guy Ockerlund had to decide if he was going to fight to keep the family business going or follow the rest of the family and move on in a different direction. Eric Ockerlund will also be talking about his own experience of returning home to work at Ox Box, and the path he is taking to learn the business. “I have had the pleasure of knowing Guy for over 20 years and admire his style and work ethic that he has clearly passed on to his talented son, Eric. This story is about stepping in, taking over and the early phases of alignment with the next gen- eration,” said Marino. New episodes drop the first Monday of every month. Subscribe to Breaking Down Boxes on all major podcast platforms or visit www.AICCbox.org/boxes .
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Kolbus America Updates Website For Premium User Experience Cleveland, Ohio based Kolbus America announced the launch of its updated company website, loaded with new customer-centric features. Kolbusamerica.com has been redesigned with features including online parts ordering, 24-hour service requests, enhanced product pages and dynamic sales contact forms that allow customers to re- search products and make requests. “Providing easy, on-demand access to our team is a great benefit to our customers,” said Rebecca Rendon, Marketing Manager, Kolbus America. ”Not only is our team available for 24/7 free remote support, but parts orders can be received, processed and shipped from the ware- house in the same day.” Rendon said that the launch of their updated website was just one step in Kolbus’ strategy to enhance and rede- fine the customer experience from start to finish. “We’re on a mission to exceed our customers’ expecta- tions and provide them with unmatched service and sup- port,” she said. “Everything should be simple and accom- modating for our customers. From requesting a catalog, to ordering spare parts, to contacting our team. If we can simplify the process for the customer, we’re finding ways to do that.” Visit kolbusamerica.com for more information.
Box Shipments ( U.S. Corrugated Product Shipments) Industry Shipments In Billions of Square Feet Month June 2022
Year
Actual
Percent Change Avg Week Percent Change
2022 2021
34.771 35.948
-3.3
7.903 8.170
-3.3
Industry Total
Year-to Date
June 2022
Year
Actual
Percent Change Avg Week Percent Change
2022 2021
205.855 208.569
-1.3
8.019 8.170
-2.1
Industry Total
Containerboard Consumption (Thousands of Tons)
Year
Month
Percent Change Year-to-Date Percent Change
2022 2021
2.8451 2.9436
-3.0
16.8851 17.0466
-0.9
Container Board Inventory - Corrugator Plants (Thousands of Tons)
Corrugator Plants Only
Date
Percent Change Weeks of Supply
Percent Change
Jun. May
2.4415 2.3469
4.0
3.8 3.6
5.6
Shipping Days
Year
Month
Year-to-Date
2022 2021
22 22
127 126
SOURCE: Fibre Box Association
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Kansas Governor Kelly Joins Pratt Industries For Grand Opening Of Park City Box Plant Kansas Governor Laura Kelly last week joined officials from Pratt Indus- tries as the company opened its new state-of-the-art advanced manufac- turing corrugated box plant in Park City, Kansas. The plant represents a $200 million investment that will create 58 new high-paying, quality jobs in Sedgwick County over the next five years.
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This announcement comes during Governor Kelly’s ‘Prosperity On The Plains’ tour promoting economic development. The Governor took a tour of the plant and gave remarks celebrating the company’s investment. “Pratt’s continued investment in our state shows that when we sup- port workers and businesses, Kansas thrives,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “Now, 58 more Kansans will have high-paying jobs and $200 million will be brought into Park City – reinforcing that we all benefit from our growing economy.” Pratt Industries is the fifth largest corrugated box manufacturer in Amer- ica, supplying customers such as Proctor & Gamble, the U.S. Postal Ser- vice, Unilever, Amazon, Newell Brands, Hostess, and Johnson Controls. With this newest project, Pratt will have built six of the nation’s last eight paper mills – all 100 percent recycled. Pratt is reportedly the only 100 per- cent recycled paper company in the United States at scale. The almost 1 million square-foot Park City facility will accommodate in- creased production capacity, employ 300 full-time “green collar” manu- facturing jobs, and increase its presence in the greater Wichita area. The company will continue its recycling operations at the existing Wichita facil- ity and use the new plant for manufacturing operations. “Pratt Industries is a model example of the type of advanced manufac- turer the Kelly Administration has targeted to help grow and future-proof the Kansas economy,” said Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Com- merce David Toland. “Building this sector is key to our state’s future, which is why the Kansas Framework for Growth includes a strong focus on the advanced manufacturing industry.” Pratt’s owner, Anthony Pratt, who founded the company in the United States over 30 years ago, joined the Australian Consul General on a visit to Topeka to meet with Governor Kelly in late 2021. From left, Pratt Industries owner Anthony Pratt, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, and Pratt industries CEO Brian McPheeley with a company representative at the grand opening of Pratt Industries’ new corrugated facility in Park City, KS.
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Pratt Industries (CONT’D FROM PAGE 12)
“I commend Governor Kelly for her strong economic leadership which has attracted more than $14 billion of new business investment in Kansas since 2019, including our $200 million investment in Wichita,” Pratt said. “The
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A Pratt Industries employee explains the operation of the com- pany’s state-of-the-art corrugator to Governor Laura Kelly.
box factory will employ 300 Kansans in well-paying, green collar manufacturing jobs at an average wage of almost $100,000 per person – and will allow the company to grow for years to come, supporting our customers, employees and the community.”
Len Prazych at 518-366-9017 lprazych@nvpublications.com
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NAM: Manufacturing Increases To All Time High Of $2.768T In Q2 The U.S. economy shrank 0.6 percent at the annual rate in the second quarter, extending the decline of 1.6 percent in the first quarter, according to Chad Moutray, Ph.D. and Chief Economist at the National Association of Manufactur- ers. The current forecast is for 0.8 percent growth in real GDP in the third quarter, with 1.6 percent annual growth in 2022. In 2023, the outlook is for 1.0 percent growth, but that forecast has sizable downside risks. Indeed, more than 63 percent of respondents to the NAM Manufactur- ers’ Outlook Survey predicted there would be an official recession in 2022 or 2023. Real GDP in the manufacturing sector fell by an annu- alized 8.5 percent in the second quarter, serving as a drag on growth in three of the past four quarters.
With that said, manufacturing value-added output in- creased to $2.768 trillion in the second quarter, an all- time high. Manufacturing accounted for 11.0 percent of value-added output in the U.S. economy in the second quarter, the highest percentage since the fourth quarter of 2019. Yet, real value-added output in the manufacturing sector decreased for the second consecutive quarter from a record pace at the end of 2021, as expressed in chained 2012 dollars, suggesting that higher prices were inflating the record-setting nominal output data. New orders for durable goods declined 0.2 percent in August, edging down for the second straight month. Ex- cluding transportation equipment, new durable goods or- ders increased 0.2 percent to a record $180.7 billion. On a year-over-year basis, new durable goods orders have in- creased 8.8 percent since August 2021, or 6.1 percent with transportation equipment excluded. Core capital goods—a proxy for capital spending in the
U.S. economy—jumped 1.3 percent to a re- cord $75.6 billion in August, with 8.8 percent growth year-over-year. Meanwhile, durable goods shipments increased 0.7 percent to a record $272.1 billion in August, with 10.8 per- cent growth year-over-year. Manufacturing surveys from the Dallas and Richmond Federal Reserve Banks were mixed in September, but with both showing declining new orders. Respondents continued to note challenges with inflation, recession worries, supply chain disruptions, long delivery times and workforce shortages. Wage growth re- mained elevated. The PCE deflator rose 0.3 percent in Au- gust. Energy prices fell for the second straight month, helping to moderate the headline in- dex. Yet, food costs increased 0.8 percent, continuing to rise solidly year to date. Exclud- ing food and energy prices, the PCE deflator increased 0.6 percent in August. Overall, the PCE deflator has risen 6.2 per- cent over the past 12 months, decelerating for the second month from the 7.0 percent year-over-year pace in June, which was the strongest since December 1981. Excluding food and energy, core PCE inflation was 4.9 percent in August, up from 4.7 percent year- over-year in July but down from 5.0 percent in June. The core PCE deflator was 5.4 percent year-over-year in February and March, both of which were the fastest paces of inflation since April 1983. The two measures of consumer confidence both reflected upticks in sentiment in Septem- ber. Americans remain anxious about inflation, even with some moderation (especially in gas- oline prices), and overall assessments remain lower than desired on economic uncertainties.
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Foundation For Packaging Education To Host Inaugural Fundraiser In SC The Foundation for Packaging Education has announced it will be hosting its First Annual Fundraising Event at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, South Carolina, from Novem- ber 8-10, 2022. This will be a two-day event for networking, golf, and fun, where attendees can play one of the nation’s most awe-inspiring resort golf courses, including Pete Dye’s fa- mous Ocean Course and Tom Fazio’s Osprey Course. Reg- istration includes one round on each course, a welcome reception, dinner, and an offsite Charleston excursion for spouses, or those not inclined to golf.
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The Board of Directors of AICC, The Independent Pack- aging Association, created the nonprofit, 501 (c)(3) educa- tion endowment fund for the purposes of supporting the development and dissemination of employee education and training resources for the workforce in the corrugat- ed, folding carton, rigid box, and related supply chain in- dustries. The goal of The Foundation for Packaging Education is to help create a stronger workforce in corrugated, folding carton, and rigid box manufacturing plants by providing more educational opportunities throughout the industry. Funds raised by the Foundation will be used to support workforce development by: • Underwriting costs associated with providing educa- tion and training programs to the industry, curriculum development, LMS platform costs, and instructor fees, thus helping to lower training costs for AICC members. • Providing funds for a formalized certificate skills achievement program • Funding the creation of aptitude testing for pre-appli- cants for defined in-plant positions • Providing funds for in-person, goal based training pro- grams for manufacturing floor teams • Providing funds for educational and scientific research • Developing and supporting paperbased packaging in- dustry specific education and training programs
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Inaugural Fundraiser (CONT’D FROM PAGE 18)
• Funding and administering AICC’s Troll Memorial Scholarship Program • Assisting members in developing internship programs for their companies • Translating online courses into Spanish • Underwriting of professional services, instructor fees and staff support need to oversee the execution and completion of all Foundation activities Visit packaginged.org for more information. Still Time To Visit AICC Canada/CCCA Tabletop Conference In Ontario Registration is still open for AICC Canada/CCCA’s Table- top Conference, Canada’s premier event for professionals in the corrugated and containerboard industry. The one- day event is set for October 27 at The Design Exchange in Toronto, Ontario. This year’s theme is Corrugated Connections ~ Better Together. Attendees will have an opportunity to introduce their organizations, products, and services with numerous opportunities for networking and collaboration. Limited spots are available. Visit aiccbox.ca to register. Email rannis@aiccbox.ca to book accommodations at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel.
Len Prazych at 518-366-9017 lprazych@nvpublications.com Board Converting News is read by more independent AND integrated decision-makers than any other industry publication. Advertise in BCN – in print and/or online – to leverage our expansive reach!
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Employers Striving (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)
centage of the nation’s workforce reported symptoms of anxiety and depression. Rising Costs Unresolved mental health issues can lead to burnout, anxiety and depression—common causes of absenteeism and poor performance. Employers also incur direct costs in the form of spikes in disability claims and health insur- ance premiums. Finally, high stress levels can result in an increase in resignations at a time when employers can ill afford to lose personnel. “50 percent of survey respon- dents reported leaving their jobs due to mental health reasons,” said Michael Davis, principal of Mind Share Part- ners. Notably, the comparable figures were 68 percent for Millennials and 80 percent for Gen Zers. The after-effects of COVID-19 are the most immediate cause of the public’s increasing stress levels. But while the
pandemic has disrupted lives and created anxiety about the future, psychologists say other factors are also in play. “Shootings and other violence in the news, social jus- tice issues, economic uncertainty, and a sense of political
polarity have all made people keenly fright- ened,” said Bernie Dyme, President of Perspec- tives Ltd., a workplace wellness consulting firm ( perspectivesltd.com ). “They feel the world is not comfortable, safe and secure.” Moreover, these societal pressures are hit- ting employees as they struggle to handle the growing workloads and longer hours resulting from the business world’s continuing drive for greater productivity. Such workplace-specific pressures are only made worse by the tight labor conditions that have been the legacy of the great resignation. When job positions go unfilled, already overworked personnel must handle additional responsibilities. Getting Help Businesses can take steps to enhance the mental health of their employees. The most im- portant one is to create a healthy work environ- ment. “To hold onto people, companies need to build good corporate cultures where peo- ple feel connected,” said Patrick J. Kennedy, co-founder and director of One Mind At Work, a global coalition of organizations committed to the development of a standard for workplace mental health ( onemindatwork.org ). That means creating cultures of psychological safe- ty where people feel respected by a company that cares about them. Opening up about mental health issues is critical. Supervisors need to eliminate any of their own lingering resistance to discussing the topic, and workers need to feel free to commu- nicate when something is amiss. “People have always been very reticent to say they have hid- den disabilities because they are afraid of the reaction at work, of putting their job in jeopardy if they ask for accommodations,” said Maureen CONTINUED ON PAGE 24
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Employers Striving (CONT’D FROM PAGE 22)
Hotchner, a workplace wellness consultant. “We need to erase the stigma of speaking about mental health and pro- vide a way for people to get help.” This is one area where Gen Zers are leading the way: Psychologists say people in their twenties are more com- fortable talking about mental health issues than their older colleagues. Of course, not everyone will speak up when something is wrong. That’s why employers must know how to spot employee behavior that might signify prob- lems. Maybe Andrew has started to show up late for work or has been calling in sick more often. Or Lisa has been going through the motions of her assigned duties without any real engagement. Or Mark has become argumentative with co-workers. The ability to spot signs of trouble pre-supposes a knowledge of the employee, and here is where supervi- sors and managers can be proactive. “One of the things that employers can do is build relationships with their people,” said Davis. “It’s really hard to have a conversa- tion with someone about their behavior when you haven’t checked in with them on a regular basis.” Spotting changes in employee behavior is one thing. Responding appropriately is another. Rather than mention- ing stress or mental health when approaching the individ- ual, psychologists advise supervisors to only discuss ob-
Brand Owners, Converters & Decision-makers Read BCN
Share the story of your company’s success with an ARTICLE in Board Converting News. The corrugated and folding carton industries are waiting!
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CONTINUED ON PAGE 26
We’ve got our customers covered… …with our fiberglass backed, boltless, full double-wide blankets and an extensive inventory of corrugated parts needed by virtually every box plant in the country. The innovator of the original fiberglass-backed knuckle locking anvil cover, Stafford is the industry’s go-to source for everything corrugated. TM
www.go2stafford.com 800-282-5787 IS THE MANUFACTURER OF STAFFORD ANVIL COVERS ®
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Employers Striving (CONT’D FROM PAGE 24)
are reaching out for help. Consider the experience of the Center for Workplace Mental Health, a division of the Amer- ican Psychiatric Association that maintains a website for employers seeking assistance ( workplacementalhealth. org ). “Over the last five years the volume of requests that we’ve received has grown fourfold,” said Director Darcy Gruttadaro. Visits to the organization’s website doubled during the pandemic. Insurance companies can also provide assistance, and more employers are helping workers get the services they need by ensuring the company insurance program covers the requisite care. “Part of the challenge is that the health- care system has never been equitable in terms of provid- ing services for, or paying claims of, mental or behavioral healthcare,” said Dyme. “Certainly not in the same way as they have the physical or medical side of things.” While signing up for an appropriate plan is important, the fact remains that ensuring adequate care can still be elusive. “You may have robust mental health coverage, but if you don’t have enough therapists and psychiatrists in the health network it amounts to a plan without a promise of care,” said Gruttadaro. “Furthermore, many psychiatrists and therapists do not accept insurance because they have experienced administrative burdens and low reimburse- ment rates in health plan networks.” Another problem is a lack of sufficient personnel. “Even if patients are lucky enough to find a practitioner in their
served behaviors. “Erratic or different behavior might be related to a mental health issue, or it might not,” said Da- vis. “Maybe the person has just not been getting enough sleep because a family member is sick, or they were up late playing video games or watching TV.” Help the em-
ployee open up by asking what can be done to provide the resources required to improve performance. Would some adaptations help the person be at their best? Providing Resources Given the human and business cost of workplace stress, it’s little wonder a growing number of businesses
CONTINUED ON PAGE 28
Do you need printed sheets? We have your answer.. Introducing Heartland’s ColorCorr. This is “flexo-printing in the round”. On our corrugator we can print up to 109” wide. The advantage is that we can print the equivalent of ½ roll at a time and not be required to keep several rolls of very expensive preprinted paper on the floor. Much less waste and risk. In continual print mode, we use either laser-engraved rubber rolls or solid rubber rolls to print a “flood coat” or a repeating pattern. If we are printing a repeating pattern, we can run a two-color design on the paper. Customers have found that running sheets we print can allow them to run a lighter-grade due to reduced caliper loss, and in some cases eliminate one or more machine passes.
For more information contact: Charlie Freeman | 816-500-8889 | cfreeman@heartlandsheets.com Tim Kramer | 816-841-8317 | color@heartlandsheets.com
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Employers Striving (CONT’D FROM PAGE 26)
network who takes new patients, they often must wait three to six months for an appointment,” said Gruttadaro. Blue Cross Blue Shield has estimated that 77 percent of U.S. counties are underserved by therapists. Scarce re- sources are an especially common problem in rural com- munities. Here’s where technology has come to the rescue, at least to some extent. The work-from-home trend sparked by the pandemic has opened the door to telemedicine, ex- panding the pool of potential medical personnel to include practitioners far from a patient’s place of residence. “Be- ing able to connect to a psychiatrist or therapist through a computer has been a real plus,” said Gruttadaro. Remote treatment can also help resolve the special challenges experienced by the growing number of remote workers. There is evidence that isolation from colleagues
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can lead to mental health issues. “We typically get in the 16,000 range in terms of requests for our employer guides,” said Gruttadaro. “But our title about working remotely on mental health has received more than 300,000.” Taking Action Traditionally, businesses have put the burden on in- dividual employees to deal with the burnout and stress that can lead to mental health issues. “Employers have al- ways expected people to show up at the workplace and leave their problems at the door,” said Hotchner. “Today we know a lot more about human behavior, and we know that’s often not possible. People will put on a social face and avoid asking for any accommodations that might jeop- ardize their jobs. But because they have a hidden disabili- ty they are not able to give 100 percent.” Times are changing, and today’s workers expect their employers to join in the mental health effort by providing a supportive workplace. That means taking steps such as adjusting workloads, encouraging autonomy, ensuring fairness, and enhancing self-worth through reward and recognition. “We encourage organizations to look critically inter- nally, and make the required changes to ensure that peo-
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Employers Striving (CONT’D FROM PAGE 28)
ple are not getting burned out, because that’s the fastest move toward the exit when it comes to people’s work ex- periences,” said Gruttadaro. “It is really important that we build cultures in which people want to be part of the or- ganization when they go to work in the morning, whether they’re walking through an office door or firing up their home computer.” Quiz: How Well Do You Address Mental Health Issues? Does your workplace encourage good employee men- tal health? Find out by taking this quiz. Score 10 points for each “yes” answer to these questions. Then total your score and check your rating at the bottom of the chart. Has your business taken the following steps? 1. Created a work environment that encourages em- ployees to communicate openly about stressors and men- tal health issues? 2. Ensured that supervisors build healthy relationships with workers through regular check-ins? 3. Developed appropriate procedures for approaching employees who exhibit behavioral problems? 4. Encouraged autonomy, fairness and enhanced em- ployee self-worth with rewards and recognition? 5. Given special attention to the psychological well-be- ing of remote workers? 6. Informed employees about available mental health resources, including clear instructions on where to go for help? 7. Modified policies and procedures around paid time off, flexible hours, and mental health days? 8. Reframed performance reviews as opportunities for feedback and learning? 9. Conducted pulse surveys to better understand on- going stressors affecting employees? 10. Ensured the company health insurance program covers mental and psychological issues, and looked into telemedicine as a way to assist employees who need counseling? What’s your score? 80 or more: Congratulations! You have gone a long way toward ensuring good mental health for your employees. Between 60 and 80: It’s time to fine tune your policies. Below 60: Your business is at risk. Take action on the suggestions in the accompanying story. Workplace Mental Health Resources Employers will find additional information about effec- tive mental health programs at the following organizations: • Center for Workplace Mental Health ( workplacemen- talhealth.org ). Maintains an array of resources for em- ployers, a series of guides on mental health issues. • Mind Share Partners ( mindsharepartners.org ). Publish- es the 2021 Mental Health at Work report with insights into causes of, and solutions for, burnout, anxiety and depression.
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