In an industry where mental well-being has often been misconstrued as a weakness, PCL Construction boldly addresses mental health issues and is deeply committed to understanding the unique challenges faced by its team members. For the company, it’s not just about starting new projects, it’s about breaking the silence about mental health.
For ages, the motto in construction has been to “tough it out” and overcome long hours, high pressure situations and challenging environments. Mental health struggles were buried under the concrete. However, times are changing and we are recognizing that mental health is just as critical as physical safety in the workplace.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a troubling statistic: construction ranks second in the US for worker suicide rates, with an alarming 45.3 incidents per 100,000 workers . This is a major concern that calls for the industry’s attention.
In response, PCL joined forces with US industry organizations, raising awareness of suicide prevention and putting employee mental health at the top of its priorities.
Giving up on mental health awareness: How PCL infuses mental health conversations into daily operations
As the aftershocks of the pandemic affect multiple industries, PCL is using it as a catalyst to prioritize mental health. From the moment a recruit walks through the door, they are equipped with mental health support. It’s not just about resources; it’s about reshaping conversations and creating an emotionally safe environment. One of the ways PCL does this is by incorporating discussions, known as “toolbox conversations,” into the daily work routine, emphasizing that such conversations are not only acceptable, but essential. These talks educate workers on how to recognize signs of distress, understand mental health issues and identify potential suicide risks so they can help those in need.
PCL Project Manager Vanna Hosanny explains, “It’s easy to get caught up in the productivity of day-to-day tasks while on a project site, but when you have something that has a ripple effect like suicide, it’s important to step up back. Not only can our physical safety be at risk, but so can our mental safety. We need to make sure that we ourselves, as well as those around us, are mentally whole, happy and healthy.”
In addition to onboarding and “toolbox conversations,” PCL offices are empowered to support all employees. Leaders like Cathy Orquiola, president of PCL in the Western United States, are on a mission to ensure that no call for help goes unanswered, embodying a true commitment to employee care.
“I’ve learned from experience that life can hit you really hard. We don’t know what the person on the other end of a conversation outside of work is dealing with, and it’s always a good idea to offer grace instead of starting from a place of expectation”, says Orquiola.
PCL’s California offices partnered with Associated General Contractors of California (AGC) to conduct a “mental health walk-down” where operations were halted to take a stand for mental health awareness.
“This withdrawal was not just a pause in our operations; it was one of many steps we’re taking in our ongoing commitment to prioritize mental wellness alongside physical safety,” said Aaron Yohnke, PCL’s senior vice president of California building operations.
The event generated meaningful discussions and fostered a strong sense of togetherness among team members and workplaces in the California offices. By creating a space that encouraged open conversations and de-stigmatized help-seeking, the leave emphasized the importance of employees’ mental well-being. She shed light on crucial topics such as the value of taking time off, the detrimental effects of long commutes on mental health, and the challenges of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Yohnke continued, “I am proud of the honesty, courage, and vulnerability that our teams have collectively demonstrated. This recall not only sparked a network conversation, but generated personal stories, shared experiences, and exposure of a challenge that we must face together.”
Equip all employees with access to mental health resources
PCL has reassessed its existing mental health resources and is launching a new program designed to facilitate employee access to mental health professionals and a wider range of resources. These resources will enable all employees, whether salaried or hourly, to develop resilience in the face of stress and adversity. The goal is to equip every team member, from executives to workers, with skills to weather emotional storms.
Preventing suicide and dealing with mental health struggles in the building requires a collective effort, starting with proper education, support and adoption of a nurturing community. Through conversations, training, resources and comprehensive wellness programs, companies can break the silence and demonstrate their commitment to addressing mental health challenges, both inside and outside the workplace.
