In November 2021, GE Johnson hosted a mental health awareness week themed Starting Together. The week was used as a time for the Company to talk about mental health, “our goals for the week were to raise awareness and provide some tools for improving mental health at work and at home,” stated Jim Johnson, president and CEO.
A 2020 study found that 83% of construction workers have experienced a mental health issue, and according to the Centers for Disease Control, the construction industry’s suicide rate is four times greater than other industries. While GE Johnson has not seen this as an issue firsthand, the Company is proactively highlighting resources that are available for employees and their family to use. “With our overall proactive approach toward safety, we’re not going to wait until there’s a problem to act here at GE Johnson”, stated Joe Weimerskirch, safety director.
Daily communications included topics on identifying stressors, promoting self-care, and making connections. Tools and resources were sent to staff and craft along with home mailers for families to get involved.
Employees were sent perception surveys before and after the event to gauge how people felt about discussing mental health and if they had adequate resources available to them. Many people reported they were thankful the Company provided the opportunity to discuss mental health and get the on-going conversation started:
“I am proud to work for a company that provides a space of learning and puts its people first. Mental health is more important than it has ever been, and I feel supported by GE Johnson by having these conversations and taking time out of our busy weeks to talk about it as a company.” – GE Johnson employee
About GE Johnson Construction Company
For more than half a century, GE Johnson Construction Company has been dedicated to enriching our communities by leading and building projects with the best people and ideas. The company embraces the power of ingenuity and trusting relationships, and values integrity, safety, collaboration, and excellence. GE Johnson is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado with offices in: Denver and Vail, Colorado; Jackson, Wyoming; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Lenexa, Kansas.
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