Mental health training empowers employees to start vital conversations on and around construction sites

Too often, talking about hard and real feelings of stress, anxiety or hopelessness at work feels uncomfortable and even taboo. Through Skanska’s Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program, employees across the U.S. are creating safe spaces for their peers who might need support, embodying our Care for life value when it matters most. Below, certified Mental Health First Aiders reflect on what participating in the training program means to them.

“Historically, there have been a lot of stigmas related to mental health issues,” says HR Business Partner Fredrik Ronning. “To become a truly inclusive workplace, we need to address stigmas.”

It's no secret that mental health challenges are prevalent in construction. The industry has the second-highest suicide rate out of all major industries in the U.S.

Still, the prevalence of the problem hasn’t destigmatized the issue. Skanska’s MHFA, also known as the Green Sticker Program, is trying to change that.

“It’s very important to de-stigmatize mental health illness and ensure all know ‘it’s okay to not be okay,’” says Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Director Carlos Alvarez.

“Stigmas exist due to lack of knowledge, so getting the right knowledge base to discuss matters that affect the workplace is crucial to advancing our inclusion journey,” says Fredrik. “The MHFA program has moved discussions about mental health awareness in the right direction and helped us normalize discussions about mental health.”

Equipping employees to engage in life-saving conversations

A 2020 National Health Interview Survey found that 14.3 percent of construction workers struggled with anxiety and nearly six percent struggled with depression, based on symptoms or medication use. Pre-pandemic, construction workers were already experiencing growing feelings of anxiety, with research showing that the amount of industry workers feeling anxious at least once per month rose 20 percent between 2011 and 2018.

These alarming statistics are what motivated EHS Director Tony Foster to launch MHFA within Skanska USA. Originally a success within Skanska UK, the program made its way to the U.S. in 2022. The program empowers trainees to listen nonjudgmentally and provide necessary referrals to those needing mental health support.

“Mental Health First Aid is akin to essential life-saving skills like CPR and First Aid training, and it’s a vital necessity within our industry, serving our diverse community of employees,” says Tony. “Our employees have warmly embraced our Green Sticker Program because it addresses a pressing need, allowing us to build for a better society by recognizing that our people are Skanska's most valuable asset.”

From Washington to Florida, Green Sticker Program graduates proudly display stickers on their hard hats, while office employees have Green Sticker desk tents.

“The sticker signals, ‘You're welcome to talk [to me]’ about mental health concerns, right in line with Care for life and which revolves around nurturing and supporting our people,” says Tony.

Skanska professionals across Skanska USA Building, USA Civil and USA Commercial Development are earning their green stickers, motivated by personal experiences and a desire to help others.

“I chose to participate in MHFA training because I was unfamiliar with this field and thought it would be a great resource for information,” says Superintendent Danny Villalobos. “There were several parts that I found impactful, particularly one on how family issues such as financial and personal life issues can cause mental illness problems.”

“As an EHS professional, I believe that mental health is equally important as physical health,” says Carlos. “I took this training to learn more about stress and mental health illness and how I could possibly help others.”

The training equips individuals to begin vulnerable conversations with their colleagues in a helpful way and instills confidence to notice behavioral patterns that could warrant help.

“It was good to learn about cues and what to be observant of as it pertains to both substance abuse and mental health disorders,” says Fredrik. “The training was ‘hands-on’ and offered tips and tricks in terms of ‘dos and don’ts’ in different types of scenarios.”

As a leader on a jobsite, Danny found the training to be very valuable. “The training helps me look closer at individuals and the circumstances that may be causing some performance issues at work. I now feel more comfortable asking individuals about their wellbeing,” says Danny.

Holding space for training leads to empathy for others

“I’m more aware of and attentive to others now,” says Emerging Technology Manager Lisa Neal. “It’s easy to get caught up in our own work or overwhelmed by our own schedules, but since the training, I find that I can press pause on my own life—even if just for a moment—to ensure the person I’m talking to feels heard, understood and supported.”

For Lisa, suicide hits close to home. “I’ve seen people I love struggle with their mental health, and sadly, I’ve lost family to suicide, so this is very personal to me,” she says. “I admire that Skanska is doing more than just talking about the importance of mental health—they’re taking action by providing training and resources to safeguard our entire workforce. I wanted to be a part of this cultural movement.”

MHFA trainings highlight language that those struggling could find triggering, further preparing trainees for real-world situations.

“I’ll never forget how heavy the training felt. The instructors had to destigmatize and desensitize us to trigger words and scenarios to prepare us to confidently intervene if/when necessary,” says Lisa. “I didn’t realize the full weight of the responsibility until that face-to-face training. Actual lives are being impacted by this program. It’s a big deal!”

In San Antonio, Texas, Project Engineer Brittany Hair hosted an MHFA training at her office.

"I wanted to participate in this training because I’ve struggled with my mental health throughout the years, and I know firsthand how impactful it is to have people who understand and support you through difficult times,” says Brittany. “I have also been that person to others and know what a difference it can make in someone’s life.”

“What stood out most was being reminded that you’re not supposed to fix or treat someone, but listen and provide avenues to get them help from professionals,” says Ironworker and General Foreman Kelly Graves.

“Talking about suicide isn’t easy. But it’s important because people you know, who might seem fine, might be going though things that you’re totally unaware of,” says Kelly.

Brittany echoes Kelly’s sentiments. “It’s important to have conversations surrounding mental health because it’s prevalent throughout our communities, and no one should feel ashamed or intimidated to talk about it,” says Brittany. “To be vulnerable is not showing weakness, but strength, and I admire those willing to let down their walls and release whatever weight they may be holding because I empathize with how difficult it can be.”

Lisa believes that the MHFA program will have a positive long-term impact on Skanska’s workforce and influence the industry in a responsible and meaningful way going forward.

“What I’ve recognized over time is that we all struggle in similar ways—we’re often trying to survive very similar situations, yet we feel overwhelmingly alone,” says Lisa. “By talking about mental health openly and frequently, we’re sending the message that it’s okay to not be okay. It’s not your fault you’re struggling, and that there are people and processes in place to support you and help you get well.”

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 or text TALK to 741741. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.