Mental health is something we all navigate—its highs and lows are a natural part of life. But in industries like construction, those challenges can be more frequent and complex.
As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, this year’s theme, “Unmasking Mental Health,” encourages us to look beyond the surface and talk openly about the pressures workers face. In the construction sector, long hours, physical strain, job insecurity, and remote and isolated work environments all contribute to heightened stress and mental health risks.
While the conversation around mental well-being has come a long way, stigma still lingers—especially in industries traditionally rooted in toughness and resilience. Now more than ever, it’s critical to create space for real conversations and support systems that help people feel seen, heard, and valued.
The ICBA Wellness Program is a comprehensive course designed to empower employers with the knowledge, tools, and materials to support their employees and create a culture where everyone feels safe.
“Construction contractors and workers have much to be proud of in how effectively they’ve enhanced commitments to workers’ physical safety in recent decades. Now, we must strive to create workplace cultures that foster all aspects of worker well-being. We must break through the stigma surrounding mental health, educate workers about personal wellness, and give people the support and resources they need.”
– Chris Gardner, ICBA President and CEO
Built by Experts, Designed for You.
As an employer, you invest in your team’s physical safety every day through safety briefings, PPE, equipment checks, and training. In today’s modern workplaces, building a culture of safety around mental wellness is just as critical—and the ICBA Wellness Program makes it easy to begin that shift.
Corey Hirsch, ICBA Wellness Ambassador
Developed in partnership with mental health experts, the holistic program is designed to help employers and workers manage the unique mental health challenges facing the construction industry. The program tackles mental health stigma with practical tools and monthly themes covering pain avoidance and addiction, depression and anxiety, suicide prevention, respectful workplaces, emotional intelligence, and physical health.
The platform offers a safe, nonjudgmental place to learn and reflect, providing anonymity through confidential quizzes and community-based elements when desired. The easy-to-access format includes site documents such as toolbox talks, as well as self-paced, interactive online modules.
Monthly content is delivered to workers via our network of Wellness Champions and includes:
- An overview of the theme and resources
- Short educational pieces
- Toolbox talks
- Site posters
- Virtual instructor-led courses
- An engaging online course, delivering informative multimedia content, including practical tips and links to other resources
ICBA Wellness Ambassador Corey Hirsch, former NHL hockey player and bestselling author, has led over 150 mental health sessions with construction professionals through the program. His struggles with stress, OCD, and a suicide attempt resonate powerfully with the people he speaks with.
In addition to the sessions and learning materials, participants can access the Off the Clock Discussion Group, an online space for tradespeople to connect and support one another. The platform also includes help lines and additional support services for those who may not feel comfortable speaking face-to-face.
Why It’s Worth It
Great talent is hard to find—and in today’s competitive market, it’s more valuable than ever. Investing in your employees’ mental wellness not only strengthens your reputation as a forward-thinking employer, but also boosts recruitment, morale, and retention.
When workplaces foster a culture of psychological safety, employees feel more supported, perform at a higher level, and collaborate more effectively.
The 12-month program is free for all ICBA member companies, and more than 150 are currently participating. As participants engage with the monthly themes, they develop a deeper understanding of mental health, learn how to foster open conversations on the worksite, and access support—for themselves or others who may need it.
“It was staggering to read the mental health statistics regarding construction workers and the struggles many are attempting to overcome. The well-being of our employees is a major priority, and if unrecognized by management, any TAG workers are struggling, and the guidance this Wellness Program offers makes a positive impact, signing up becomes vindicated.”
– Diane Grant, TAG Construction
Become a Wellness Champion
A Wellness Champion is the secret sauce to successful implementation of the program within your workplace—no credentials required, just a genuine passion for promoting well-being. With the complete support of ICBA’s Wellness Team, the Wellness Champion will leverage your company’s existing communication channels to ensure the monthly content reaches every worker, whether they’re on a remote site or in the office. With extended content covering topics like cancer awareness, financial fitness, and diversity, and a comprehensive list of available support services, Wellness Champions help to create meaningful change from the ground up.
The culture of safety in construction has advanced dramatically over the past 50 years, and ICBA is proud to have played a role in that progress. As an educator, advocate, and industry partner, we’ve supported the sector through training, education, group benefits, wellness programs, and HR tools.
The evolving industry brings changing workforce needs. That’s why we’re excited to invite you to participate in ICBA Wellness and nominate a Wellness Champion in your workplace to help foster a healthier, more supportive job site culture.
Learn more about ICBA Wellness and sign up today.
