This Labor Day, We Celebrate a More Positive Work Culture

As we celebrate Labor Day, and honor the dedicated workers across Wisconsin, I see much to celebrate in the construction industry. As I write this, a construction crew from one of our members is meeting to stretch, warm up, and unite as a team before they begin their projects. Across town, another member’s team is training supervisors in mental health and the softer people skills required to make employees feel at home. These teams are not unique. There are more than 1000 companies in our network who are focused on fostering healthy culture for their employees. They understand that a healthy culture creates a happy workforce and allows everyone to perform at their best.

The increased attention on mental health is both important and notable in the construction world. Teams are now training on communication skills and styles, and on recognizing symptoms of a mental health crisis, so that help comes before it’s too late.  Managers are being shown effective communication strategies, to help work get done with both excellence and consideration for the team on the job.

This focus on positive communication and mental health is key to developing a healthy work culture.  The vast majority of construction companies and contractors in our state are family-owned businesses, each focused on growing their talent from within. This is why they care so much about healthy culture. They know the future of their businesses depend on it.

Today, and every day, we celebrate these men and women who are building Wisconsin’s future. We commit ourselves to do everything we can to support the work of our construction companies and contractors and their dreams for generations to come.  The results of these efforts will make us all proud.

By Kelly Tourdot, Incoming President of ABC Wisconsin