May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time when inboxes flood with corporate campaigns, social media turns green, and everyone promises to “talk more.” But here’s the thing: in construction, we can’t afford for this to be a moment. It has to be a movement.
Because while we spend our days pouring concrete, setting steel, and pushing schedules, something quieter is taking root behind the scenes: silence.
Construction ranks among the highest-risk industries for suicide, and for too long, the conversation around mental health has been seen as a distraction from the job. That ends here. That ends with us.
At EDiS, we’ve decided that if we’re truly Building What Matters, then that includes building a legacy of mental wellness. Because we’re not just your builders—we’re your neighbors. And neighbors care for each other.
We’re changing how we define jobsite safety. Yes, hard hats and harnesses matter. But so does asking, “Are you okay?” We believe our people are safer when we encourage and support them bringing their “whole self” to work.
Why does this hit our industry so hard?
It’s the perfect storm: tough work, long hours, high stakes, a culture of grit that doesn’t leave room for vulnerability. In construction, strength is worn like armor—and too often, silence is mistaken for resilience.
But resilience isn’t silence. It’s speaking up. It’s reaching out. It’s checking in. And it’s time we make space for that on every jobsite, in every meeting, and across every level of leadership.
Here’s how we’re putting it into practice:
- Mental Health Training: We’re equipping our managers superintendents, and trade partners with tools to spot warning signs, initiate conversations, and connect people with real resources.
- Creating a Culture of Belonging: We’re checking in with our people, with their workload, and how we build time for belonging with our company.
- Open Dialogue: We’re talking about it—out loud, often, and without judgment. From the trailer to the boardroom, vulnerability is becoming part of our vocabulary.
These steps aren’t easy. They require unlearning. They require courage. But they’re necessary. Because we’re not just managing projects—we’re managing people.
So this month, I’m asking you: take a moment. Check on your coworker. Ask the second question. Listen to their answer. Share your story.
Let’s not wait for the crisis. Let’s prevent it. Let’s stand shoulder to shoulder and say, “You’re not alone.” Because the truth is, if we want to build a better industry, a better future, a better legacy—it starts here.
It starts with caring. It starts with connection. It starts with us.
If you or someone you know is struggling, you can reach out anytime by calling the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. To learn more, visit 988lifeline.org.
We also support Veterans who may be struggling through our work with Vet Fest, 22in22, and Stop Soldier Suicide. If you are a Veteran who is struggling, you can reach out to GoRoger.org and click on “Get Help Now.”
Let’s build what matters. Let’s build each other up.
