Protect Your Mental Health On and Off the Job
As employee-owners, our people share a daily commitment to fuel their work and keep each other accountable for their safety and health. That includes their mental health. During Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to pause and take ownership of what keeps you on the grind.
“Ownership is taking accountability, getting enough sleep, knowing when to say you’ve had enough, and adjusting when the workload is too much.”said Camillus Sipes, foreman at Rummel Construction.
“It also means having the courage to speak up.” When work controls your thoughts, Camillus says it’s time to step back before it impacts your personal life. That ability to recognize limits and speak up isn’t a weakness; it’s ownership.
Look Out for Each Other
After 20+ years in the industry, Frank Schmidt, operator at Monks Construction, would tell all employee-owners not to be afraid to ask if someone’s alright.
“If I see someone struggling, I’ll pull them aside and ask what’s going on,” Frank said. “If it’s serious and going to affect their work, we’ll take care of it.”
Mental health on the jobsite comes down to focus and communication. In the construction industry, it is important not to let outside stress interfere with safety. “When you’re at work, you focus on the work in front of you,” Frank said, stressing the connection between focus and safety.
Trust Your Team
For Richard Lozano, pipe foreman at Achen-Gardner Construction, leadership begins with openness. He encourages his crew to speak up if they notice something seems off — even with him. “Sometimes I don’t realize how I’m coming across,” Richard said. “They might say, ‘You’re not having a good day, are you?’” Richard believes that level of transparency is built through trust. “It becomes a family atmosphere, where everyone looks out for each other.”
Trust is grounded in the hours spent together on the job. As Camillus put it, “A lot of the crew members have been around for a while. They know what it’s like to be in your shoes.”
“When trust and loyalty are there, the outcome is always better.” said Dawson Grimes, health and safety manager at Emery Sapp & Sons.
Dawson says that trust is the foundation of a strong crew. Strong camaraderie is built on asking questions and getting to know your team on a deeper level. Earlier in his career, check‑ins were quick and surface‑level, but now he’s learned to follow up. “If someone says, ‘Just another Monday,’ I ask why.” He pays attention to details: hobbies, family, routines. That way, when something changes, he notices. Those small moments of awareness can open the door to bigger conversations and stronger support.”
Take Time for Yourself
Prioritizing yourself is a key part of maintaining your mental health, especially in an industry that’s used to pushing through challenges. “When you’re burning out, like the gas light in your car, that’s your body telling you something,” Dawson said. Stepping back, talking it out, and refueling isn’t a sign of weakness. For Richard, that awareness comes from paying attention to when things start to feel off. “I have to remind myself there’s only so much you can get done in a day.” Richard said, “I like to give myself a few minutes of quiet time to just zen it.”
It’s On All of Us
Mental health doesn’t look the same for everyone. Whether it’s recognizing when to tap out for the day, pulling someone aside to check in, or building trust through honest conversations, committing to maintaining your mental health is a shared responsibility. Even after Mental Health Awareness Month ends, our employee-owners will continue to normalize the conversations, lean on their crews, and remember that taking care of themselves helps the entire team run smoother. Complete ownership includes well-being.
If you’re an employee-owner or family member, you’ve got resources to help. Access them on the Employee-Owner Hub.
