Mental Health in Construction: Getting off the Island - Culture, Happiness, Health and Promise

BuilderCast Guest:  Adam Hoots | Lean Construction Shepherd, Author, Kidney Transplant Survivor, TedX Speaker, Graduate Student and Professor at Clemson University
BuilderCast Episode Host:  Dr. Caroline Brigmon | Director Education, Training, & Workforce
BuilderCast Host/Producer: Sharon Walters | Director of Digital Operations

“Everybody Matters. Share Kindness. We haven’t been taught to do that in our industry. We’ve been conditioned to be stone-faced… We all have something going on from a mental health perspective.”
-Adam Hoots

By now, we are all too aware of the reasons why those working in the construction industry are more likely to struggle with mental health issues. The pressures of feeling isolated, being “on an island”, as Adam Hoots discusses in this podcast, create significant mental and physical stress. The high-stress environment, coupled with job sites that may pose hazardous conditions and the physical demands placed on our workers, all contribute to this growing problem. Moreover, the traditional construction culture often encourages workers to "tough it out" or "leave your feelings at the gate," exacerbating the issue.

Adam Hoots finds power in vulnerability by sharing his personal story and connecting with his team on a relatable level. He firmly believes that listening to and inquiring about the well-being of our colleagues fosters the trust that can truly impact how they perceive their work and, consequently, can make  a real difference in our industry. To promote the welfare of both our industry and the individuals within it, we must actively work to transform our culture. We must nurture our teams by engaging in active listening, asking questions, expressing gratitude, and empowering them to harness their individual strengths and passions. By doing so, we can work more efficiently, boost the happiness and well-being of our teams, and also attract the much-needed interest from younger generations and those who may not be aware of the promising and fulfilling careers our construction industry has to offer.

Buildercast is created and produced by Carolinas AGC with a goal of reaching a wider audience and providing information that contributes to the success of our industry, and those working in the industry.

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