Strong Minds, Safe Sites: Real Talk From the Field
This industry is intense, so it’s important to stay sharp. Knowing when to push and when to reset is essential for success on the jobsite. A few solid habits can make a huge difference in keeping your head clear and your crew strong.
Learn from our employee-owners
To prioritize mental wellbeing, Israel Santillan, Achen-Gardner Construction project manager, leans on stress relief tactics that help him stay balanced on the jobsite.
“I listen to music, take short breaks, get some fresh air, talk to my family and spouse,” said Santillan. “Writing things down that stress me out on a piece of paper makes them visible, thus making them easier to manage and address one by one.”
All employee-owners handle stress differently, so stay open to various remedies.
“Sarcasm and humor are my go-to,” said Wayne King, Rummel Construction area superintendent. “Additionally, I am fortunate to have peers and coworkers that I can talk to and work through stressful situations at work.”
Keaton Bolinger, Emery Sapp & Sons Regional Safety Manager, has his own methods for stress relief.
“I try my best to prioritize spending time with my family and friends and enjoying my hobbies.” Bolinger said.
Employee ownership is about owning it, including looking after your crew as well as yourself. Santillan knows how to support others along with himself to keep everyone’s spirits high.
“First, I listen to what’s stressing them out. Let them vent. Then I figure any way I can help them if it’s work-related or find the person who can help,” said Santillan. “Third, I follow up to see if they still need help with the same thing or anything new.”
Check-in with your crew
Santillan knows a mental health conversation doesn’t need to be long or complicated. A quick check-in can go a long way.
“When you’ve worked with someone long enough, you can tell when something is off,” Santillan said. “If they seem less chatty, they try to be alone, or they’ve got a shorter fuse than usual. You don’t lose anything by asking if they’re doing alright.”
As employee-owners, we are in this together. Kring reminds us how important it is to know your crew.
“Get to know the crews as best you can,” Kring said. “At least, their normal persona and attitude, so when they’re not acting like themselves, you notice and are willing to speak up.”
If you or someone on your crew is feeling overwhelmed, don’t wait. September is Suicide Prevention Month, so let’s make an effort to support our fellow employee-owners. By checking in and taking care of ourselves, we can build a culture where mental health awareness is part of the job.
