Leaders Show Up
If you told me 12 years ago that I’d spend most of my professional life in construction trailers and union halls talking about suicide prevention, I would’ve laughed politely and checked your forehead for a fever.
I’m a girly do-gooder with zero experience with power tools.
But over the years — thanks to thousands of union peer ally trainings, jobsite safety stand-downs, and wise-cracking foremen turned mental health champions — I’ve been welcomed into this gritty, generous, no-BS world. And I’ve come to believe that construction is the boldest, fastest-moving industry when it comes to workplace mental health.
From apprentices to execs, from large contractors to the alphabet soup of construction associations (AGC and ABC, CFMA and NAHB) this industry is rewriting the playbook. They are going beyond raising awareness to redesigning workplace culture from the ground up. While other industries are stuck in passive educational “mental health awareness” webinars, construction is rolling up its sleeves, saying, “Alright then -- what are we gonna do about it?”
Since 2017, I’ve interviewed more than 200 guests across my two podcasts, and time and again, it’s the folks from construction who leave me both hopeful and energized. Maybe it’s the directness. Perhaps it’s the “get-it-done” mentality. Maybe it’s the fact that they let this wellness wonk outsider, who still doesn’t know what a skid steer is, crash their job site trailers with peer ally skills, brain science, and the occasional awkward icebreaker.
Whatever the reason, construction leaders have shown up with innovation, honesty, and real solutions.
Below are some of the most impactful conversations I’ve had — organized into five key lessons other industries can borrow, adapt, or outright steal (we won’t tell).
Lesson#1: Culture Doesn’t Shift Unless Leadership Shows Up
Especially if they show up with snacks, humility, and a plan.
Can’t just punt this to HR.
What other industries can learn:
Leadership does not need to have all the answers about mental health to make a massive impact. Effective executives in construction are being “vocal, visible, and visionary” in this space as they set the tone, share the load, and show up with courage and care. Bold leaders don’t give lip service; they walk alongside their people.
Ready to give your leadership culture a tune-up? Construction's already handing us the tools.
“Transformational Leadership in Suicide Prevention”
With Jerry Shupe, Chief Health and Safety Officer at Hensel Phelps
Takeaway: Transformational leaders are bold, purpose-driven, and emotionally fluent. They challenge the process and empower others to rise, especially in moments of collective hardship.
“Leadership’s Role in Workplace Mental Health”
With Cal Beyer, Senior Director, SAFE Workplaces
Takeaway: If you're in leadership, don’t wait for a perfect plan. Be visible, be vulnerable, and build a pragmatic blueprint for change. Your mindset sets the tone for the whole workforce.
“Be Vocal, Be Visible, Be Visionary”
With Chris Carlough, Director of Wellness and Mental Health Support for the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers
Takeaway: Union leadership plays a crucial role in suicide prevention through policy AND presence. As Chris says, “If you’re suffering, I’ve got your back. We’ll figure this out together.”
Construction’s laying the groundwork for a mental health revolution — and they’re not keeping the blueprints to themselves.
We’ve spent years asking construction to connect with mental health services. Now it’s time to ask: How many in the mental health, addiction recovery, and suicide prevention worlds are showing up to learn from construction? Learn how to better serve their needs and understand their culture?
At the 5th Annual Construction Mental Health & Wellbeing Conference (Feb 23–26, 2026, Portland, OR), you’ll see what happens when an industry swaps silence for solidarity, lip service for leadership, and awareness for action.
Come grab a hard hat full of ideas, proven strategies, and real-world partnerships you can take back to your own field.
Join us and see what construction can teach the rest of the world about mental health at work.
Warmly,
Sally
P.S. This is just the first of five proven tactics construction has shown can change the game for mental health at work. Over the coming weeks, we’ll share more lessons learned, not just for other industries, but for the mental health, addiction recovery, and suicide prevention communities, too. Stay tuned…