The construction industry bears witness to the tragic fact that 13 construction professionals take their own lives every day—the highest industry rate second only to the military. That’s why development at construction company Kwest Group, LLC, goes beyond the technical element of its craft professionals. The company decided that mental health and welfare would play an instrumental part in its Safety and People culture and created its Under the Hard Hat program as part of its “Zero Harm” culture.
Program Details
Kwest Group’s entire C-suite was 100 percent involved in the design and implementation of this program. Through the Under the Hard Hat program, real people in the company of every rank and file tell their stories. Some speak of the depression that followed the death of a loved one, some about the dark places of addiction to drugs, others about the rigors of returning from military deployments and reintegrating back into civilian life, and some of returning to normalcy after a near fatal injury.
Under the Hard Hat stories and interviews are delivered by a top-notch film and production company that helps Kwest Group broadcast the message that “It’s Okay to not be Okay.” Facilitation is done via online Webinars and discussion sessions. The C-suite sends representatives as part of Kwest Group’s “All Hands” initiatives. The fact that leaders talk openly about mental health sends a powerful message.
The education about mental health begins at New Hire Orientation, which is run by Kwest Group’s Learning and Development (L&D) Department. Employees experience the training within the first two weeks of new hire, so they quickly receive the clear message that the company is here to help.
In addition, free counseling and services to team members are available at a moment’s notice.
Kwest Group has seen a large uptick in the use of the free mental healthcare the company offers. And while leaders do not know exactly what their team members discuss, it does allow them to directly follow up with their subordinates to see if they feel they are satisfied with the help they are receiving.
Results
The Under the Hard Hat program has become a cornerstone in developing safe, well-trained, quality craftspeople at Kwest Group. To date, Kwest Group has experienced zero suicides since the beginning of this program, and it aims to continue to provide and improve its mental health services.
