Constructing a Culture of Care

In today’s fast-paced construction industry, where efficiency and safety reign supreme, the well-being of employees often gets the spotlight. 

Faith Technologies Incorporated (FTI) — a national provider in the engineering, construction, manufacturing and clean energy space — has built a culture that prioritizes the health of its team members. Since its founding in 1972, this Menasha, Wisconsin-based company has grown into an industry innovator, with a robust wellness program known as EmpowerYou.

FTI’s Wellness Program Director, Alyssa Kwasny, CCWS, who began her tenure with the company in 2008, emphasizes that wellness is not just a program, but a cornerstone of the company’s culture. With over 3,700 employees — split between 1,179 office team members and 2,555 field and manufacturing team members — FTI’s commitment to mental, physical and emotional health is reshaping what it means to work in construction.

“We have always believed that taking care of our people isn’t just about their physical health, but their mental and emotional well-being as well,” Kwasny said. “That holistic approach is crucial to the success of our company and to the individuals who make it what it is.”
 

A Multifaceted Approach to Wellness

FTI’s EmpowerYou program is built on partnerships, innovation and feedback, offering employees and their families tools to improve their well-being. This article describes the hallmarks of FTI’s groundbreaking program.

Culture of Care

This initiative fosters an inclusive environment where employees can bring their whole selves to work — mind, body and soul. The program includes the following:

• A pledge for employees to commit to creating a safe and respectful workplace
• “Check-ins” for employees to share concerns or seek support from peers
• A “Time to Recharge” benefit, offering two hours of paid time off monthly for self-care or professional health services

Personify Health Partnership

Employees and spouses can use the Personify Health platform and mobile app to build healthy habits, schedule no-cost biometric screenings and earn up to $200 in rewards cash. With an impressive 94% enrollment rate among insured employees and spouses, engagement is significantly higher than industry averages.

“The Personify platform is not just a wellness tool; it’s an integral part of our employees’ daily lives,” Kwasny explained. “It encourages them to track their habits and helps them see how small changes can add up to a big impact.”

Lifestyle Spending Account

In 2025, the company expanded its Healthy Lifestyle Reimbursement Program into a Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA), increasing reimbursement amounts to $400 per year and broadening eligible categories to include emotional and financial well-being expenses.

Mental Health Resources

FTI’s enhanced employee assistance program (EAP) through Lyra Health offers up to eight free therapy sessions per year for employees and household members, along with substance abuse support and medication management. “We’ve worked hard to make mental health a priority here,” Kwasny remarked. “Our EAP program gives employees a safe, private avenue for support. Whether it’s therapy, financial counseling or substance abuse help, it’s all part of the bigger picture of taking care of each other.”

Zero-Dollar Copays

Recognizing the link between health and productivity, FTI eliminated copays for primary care and mental health visits, as well as for generic prescriptions, ensuring financial barriers don’t hinder access to care.

Measurable Impact

FTI’s robust data-driven approach ensures the EmpowerYou program evolves to meet employee needs. Feedback is regularly collected through annual wellness surveys, where employees highlight successes and suggest improvements. Some of the program’s outcomes include the following:

• 95% of survey respondents agree that FTI’s culture supports overall health and well-being
• 92% of 2024 wellness survey respondents agree that they have the support tools (i.e., social network, employer-provided services, manager support, etc.) to aid in getting the help needed regarding their mental health (an increase from 76% in 2020)
• 85% feel comfortable discussing mental health concerns at work, up from 76% in 2019
• 78% of 2024 wellness survey respondents agree that their leader prioritizes the mental health of their team

“We’re proud of these outcomes,” Kwasny noted. “The feedback we receive shows that our efforts are truly making a difference. But it’s important to recognize that it’s not just about the numbers. It’s about creating a culture where employees feel seen and supported.”

Empowering Wellness Through Innovation

FTI’s innovative wellness strategies are complemented by its broader mission as a national contractor. The company operates across the U.S., with major hubs in Kansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Georgia and Oklahoma. Through its three divisions — Faith Technologies (electrical planning and engineering), EnTech Solutions (clean energy and electric vehicle charging) and Excellerate (manufacturing) — FTI integrates wellness into every level of its operations.

The company’s focus on mental health is particularly relevant in the construction industry, where workers face higher rates of stress and substance use. To combat these challenges, FTI has introduced Mental Health Monday messages, accessible training on mental well-being, and an Emergency Hardship Program to support employees in times of financial instability.

“Construction is a tough industry,” Kwasny explained. “We see a lot of stress, and sometimes that can manifest in substance use or burnout. It’s important to us that our team members know they’re not alone and that support is available when they need it.”

Looking Ahead

As FTI continues to lead the industry in wellness innovation, its efforts set a benchmark for other companies to follow. By prioritizing employee well-being, the company is not just enhancing productivity — it’s building a legacy of care and compassion.

“For companies looking to emulate our success, the formula is clear: Listen to employees, adapt to their needs, and invest in comprehensive wellness initiatives,” Kwasny advised. “It’s about creating a space where employees can thrive — both at work and in their personal lives.”

The result? A resilient workforce ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow with strength and purpose. FTI’s commitment to holistic well-being is an example of how the construction industry can lead the way in building a culture of care that benefits everyone.