Mental Health Awareness in the Construction Industry
The construction industry demands grit, strength, and long hours—but behind the hard work are real people facing real pressures. At Hoopaugh Grading Company, we know that safety goes beyond steel-toed boots and hard hats. That’s why we’re making mental wellness a key part of our safety culture, supporting our team both on and off the job site. Mental health awareness in the construction industry is paramount in our culture.
A Silent Struggle in a Tough Industry
According to the CDC, construction workers have the highest suicide rates of any profession—nearly four times the national average. Depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders are common, yet often go undiagnosed or untreated due to the stigma surrounding mental health.
Why is This Happening?
- Long, irregular hours and demanding deadlines
- Physical injuries or chronic pain that affect quality of life
- Job-related stress, financial pressure, and seasonal uncertainty
- A persistent culture of “toughness” that discourages vulnerability
In many cases, workers are struggling silently. That’s why mental health awareness in the construction industry is not just a conversation—it’s a responsibility.
How HGC Is Supporting Our People On and Off The Field?
At HGC, we recognize that creating a healthy workplace takes more than just good intentions. It takes real resources, open communication, and leadership that listens. Here’s how we’re turning awareness into action:
1. Guaranteed Pay, Even When the Weather Doesn’t Cooperate
One way we’re helping reduce stress and provide peace of mind is through our 35-hour pay guarantee. Even during slow seasons or weeks with unexpected weather delays, HGC ensures that full-time field employees receive pay for at least 35 hours of work. It’s one more way we’re backing our people—not just with words, but with stability, trust, and a paycheck they can count on.
2. Give Us The Dirt Podcast
- We created a Mental Health in Construction Podcast Series to start real conversations about wellness, stress, and personal growth. Hosted by team members and featuring guests from across the industry, this series breaks the silence and provides relatable, relevant insights. You can catch up on past episodes and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.
3. Free Health Coaching with Kelly
All HGC teammates have free access to Kelly, our certified Health Coach, who offers one-on-one Access to Trusted Resources, company-wide challenges, and guidance on nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and overall well-being. She meets teammates where they are, offering realistic, personalized strategies that improve energy levels, boost performance, and contribute to a safer, more productive work environment.
We also ensure our team has access to confidential help when they need it. Whether it’s through our free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or community mental health organizations, there are options for everyone. We also make valuable industry-focused resources available like:
4. Supervisor Training & Awareness
We equip our managers and team leaders with training to communicate more effectively with each other and recognize when someone might be struggling—and how to respond with care. A simple conversation, check-in, or offer of support can make a powerful difference.
5. Encouraging Work-Life Balance
We know long hours and high demands are part of the job—but we also know burnout isn’t sustainable. That’s why we actively promote healthy scheduling and encourage use of paid time off (PTO) for vacation, holidays, bereavement and parental leave to support teammates taking time for themselves and their families.
A Culture Where People Come First
Our people are the heart of HGC. From operators and field teams to the office and leadership, we all share the responsibility to support mental wellness. Talking about mental health doesn’t make us weaker—it makes us safer, stronger, and more connected.
We’re proud of the progress we’ve made so far, but we know this work is ongoing. By continuing to share stories, provide resources, and stand together, we’re helping shift the culture of construction—one teammate at a time.
Keep the Conversation Going
If you haven’t tuned into our GUTD Mental Health podcast series, now is a great time to start.
And if you, or someone you know, needs immediate help, don’t wait. Call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.
Let’s build something better together. Starting with how we care for ourselves and each other.
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