Creating stronger workplaces with Movember: Chantier-QScale

Personal motivation and involvement

What made you want to get involved in Movember?

A: Initially, we were looking for an original way to bring our construction workers together around a good cause. Given that the majority of workers in the construction industry are men and that several of us have been affected by cancer in one way or another, after discussing it together, we quickly came to the conclusion that Movember was the cause to support. 

Could you share any personal experiences or stories that have influenced your commitment to our cause areas?

A: What was most striking for us was seeing the reaction of the workers who, one after the other, came to see us to thank us, but above all to share their personal stories. It broke taboos, and that is saying something in our field, which is predominantly male.

How has your motivation evolved over time since you started supporting Movember?

A: Your question is so relevant, because the first year, the goal was to raise as much money as possible. Having achieved a particularly impressive result, needless to say that at our launch meeting the following year, we had a whole order. In discussion together, we decided to change the goal and put more emphasis on the unifying aspect of the event, in order to maintain motivation in the long term.

How has fundraising for Movember impacted your personal approach to health and wellbeing?

A: Every year, for a month, we post messages in bathrooms, we create excitement, and we restart the discussion. We don't always know how we impact people, but if one more person is made aware, I consider that a form of success.

Challenges and the fight against stigma

What do you think is the biggest challenge men face when it comes to talking about their health?

A: The biggest challenge for men when it comes to talking about their health is often related to pride and fear of judgment from others. Creating a climate of trust, where a man does not feel judged or isolated, helps break down these barriers. This feeling of not being alone in his situation greatly helps to open up and encourage discussions about health.

How do you think Movember is helping to change the conversation around men’s health, both personally and in your workplace?

A: I really think the movement hit the nail on the head in terms of branding. You were able to directly capture your target audience while broadening the discussion on all the often forgotten issues that men can experience, often silently and each for themselves .(Martin) On an even more personal level, my wife and children hate the month of November because it means it's the month of stinging kisses. 😉.

What do you think are some common misconceptions or social pressures that prevent men from addressing their health issues?

A: Masculine culture has long valued invulnerability, which can deter men from opening up about their health issues, especially when it comes to mental health or sensitive issues.

Workplace

Could you share a memorable experience from your involvement with Movember, whether personal or professional?

A: One of our employees had a majestic beard for so long that his children, who were over a decade old, had never seen him without it. So we motivated his team and bosses to raise a side fundraiser: if they reached $1,000, he would agree to cut it off. No one backed down, everyone chipped in, and the goal was reached. When he shaved his beard, he filmed his children’s reaction, and let me tell you, they were shocked, but not a little! This very funny moment led to even more discussion about the issues surrounding Movember.

How did your workplace Movember initiative start and how has it grown over the years?

A: One morning, we received an invitation from Nicolas to participate in an AMAZING meeting at 6:00 am. Curious, we gathered, and that's when Nico humbly asked for our help to realize the project. His plan was already ready. Jeff was the chief stimulator, Martin the artistic director, and Nicolas... well, we still wonder how to define him, lol. Definitely the chief unifier, because that's all it took to launch us into the adventure.

Can you talk about the impact that introducing Movember to your workplace has had on your team?

A: It generated discussions and created a kind of cohesion that is difficult to explain, but we can really notice the unifying side of the event.

What changes have you observed in the way your colleagues discuss or approach their health?

A: You might wish people would completely change the way they approach their health, but the truth is that doesn’t always happen. Once December rolls around, life gets back to normal and everyone falls back into their daily routine. However, during the month of November, we have the opportunity to make an impact, which is why Movember is so important.

Are you doing anything unique to raise awareness or funds? ( i.e., wearing a hot dog costume and handing out flyers - we actually had a MoBro do that 🤣 )

A: The truth is, we've done a bit of everything. Funny bathroom posters, flyers, a mustache counter, and even a giant light-up mustache. Between the three of us, the sky is no limit at all!

Can you share with us some of your workplace fundraising goals for this year? How much did you raise last year?

A: We certainly still hope to beat the previous year, but after such a strong start, our focus is now more on the sustainability of the event and its unifying aspect. Of course, raising as much as possible is still a goal, but when you do things properly, without putting too much emphasis on money, people participate for the right reasons, and that's what really matters.

What conversations do you hope to start about men's health in the workplace/in your industry? 

A: I would have a hard time pinpointing a specific conversation because everyone is at a different stage in their life. On a construction site the size of ours, all of these issues are experienced by one or more workers. The important thing is to open up the discussion about men's health as a whole and encourage everyone to share their experiences, no matter the topic.

What ripple effect do you hope these efforts will have on those around you?

A: Without necessarily anticipating it, we are very proud of the fact that, following the success of our initiative, some contractors from our site decided to launch their own campaign on other sites. This gave new momentum to the cause and helped to expand the impact of Movember even further.

Tips for new participants

What advice would you give to someone considering signing up to fundraise for Movember for the first time?

A: Don't take yourself too seriously and don't hesitate to build a team to manage the campaign. Together you will accomplish much more.

What can they expect and how can they get the most out of their involvement?

A: Don't have any specific expectations. Communicate your motivational message effectively and regularly. Use the tools available on the Movember website. If you put in the effort, the rest will follow naturally