The construction industry faces a staggering challenge: it has one of the highest suicide rates among all professions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In today’s climate of stress, fear, and uncertainty, this harsh reality underscores the urgent need to address mental health on the jobsite.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an important time for you as plumbing and HVAC business owners to reflect on how you manage mental health issues within your teams … and within yourselves.

Supporting Mental Health in Your Workforce
As a leader, maintaining a positive team culture is key. Empathy, open communication, and awareness of employees’ mental health challenges are crucial to fostering a supportive workplace. Start by recognizing the signs of stress or burnout, including:

• Changes in mood.
• Decreased productivity
• Withdrawal from social interactions.

Create opportunities for team members to discuss their well-being openly and ensure they feel heard and supported. One effective approach is to regularly check in with your employees. Simple questions like “How are you feeling today?” or “Is there anything I can support you with?” can open the door to meaningful conversations. Additionally, consider incorporating mental health resources, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), which offer confidential counseling and support services.

Understanding the Challenges
According to a Portland Business Journal article, challenges unique to the construction industry include:

• The impact of long hours,
• Navigating a physically demanding profession, and
• Embracing financial stability and career growth.

Leaders can meet the challenges by promoting sustainable work schedules, promoting stress management techniques, and building awareness around financial planning resources and career development opportunities.

Practicing Grace Under Pressure
Leaders who practice grace under pressure “improve employee well-being and trust.” In this SmartBrief article, Julie Winkle Giulioni suggests six practices toward cultivating an environment where people can collaborate and do their best work:

1. Make space for humanity. Leaders who acknowledge emotions without letting them derail progress build trust and long-term results.
2. Assume positive intent. Trust that people act in good faith, even when outcomes fall short, and approach conversations with curiosity.
3. Respond rather than react. Practice emotional discipline, pausing before responding to maintain clarity and compassion.
4. Honor multiple realities. Instead of forcing alignment, value diverse perspectives and seek shared respect, not uniformity.
5. Offer “soft landings” for hard truths. Deliver candid feedback respectfully, focusing on growth rather than blame.
6. Hold people capable, not just accountable. Focus on development, fostering potential while maintaining high expectations.

Taking Care of Yourself
Running a plumbing or HVAC business can be stressful, especially when balancing leadership responsibilities with the needs of your team. To manage your own mental health, it’s essential to make self-care a priority. One practical strategy is to block out time in your calendar just for yourself; consider a walk in the sunshine, a short workout, or simply stepping away from work to clear your mind.

Exercise, even in small amounts, can significantly reduce stress levels. Try to integrate movement into your routine, whether it’s a quick stretch between service calls or a brisk walk at lunch. Also, take advantage of daylight whenever possible. Spending time outdoors not only boosts mood but also improves concentration, which is crucial when making key business decisions.

Finally, know that you’re in good company. With PHCC, you have a support network of fellow contractors. Sharing experiences and solutions can alleviate feelings of isolation, offering new perspectives on managing both team and personal challenges.

Addressing Workplace Well-being at CONNECT
Of course, the best place to collaborate with your PHCC peers is at CONNECT 2025, Oct. 27-30, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In addition, sit in on some of the sessions dedicated to workplace well-being, including:

• Connectable: How to Strengthen Team Connection in the New Era of Work. This keynote presentation will explore how advancing technology and an always-on work culture can create disconnection, contributing to mental health issues among workers. Learn practical strategies to transform isolated employees into a connected, engaged, and more productive workforce.
• From Connection to Collaboration: Building a Thriving Organizational Culture. Uncover actionable strategies for cultivating an environment of deep connection within your business. Enhance your organization’s culture through intentional daily practices, fostering collaboration and unity that drive long-term success.
• Managing Employee Engagement: Six Reasons for Resistance and Proven Solutions. Struggling to get employees on board can be exhausting, especially without practical solutions. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be this way. There are just six identifiable reasons employees resist tasks. Learn to recognize each one and discover proven strategies to overcome them for guaranteed success.

We hope to see you there!