How Shawmut Supports Employee Mental Health in Construction

Since its founding in 1982, Shawmut Design and Construction has set itself apart as a firm that prioritizes its people. As a 100% employee-owned company since 2006, Shawmut has fostered a workplace culture that embodies excellence, safety and inclusion. With a workforce of 1,400 employees, Shawmut’s commitment to its core values extends beyond project sites to the well-being of its employees and the communities in which it operates. The company is headquartered in Boston and has 11 regional offices.

A Culture of Excellence & Safety

At the heart of Shawmut’s success is its people-first culture, which is built on four fundamental values:

• Excellence — Shawmut continuously strives to exceed expectations for both clients and employees, emphasizing craftsmanship and collaboration.
• Safety — The company’s top priority is ensuring that every team member returns home safely, with an emphasis on continuous safety improvements.
• Ownership — As an employee-owned firm, every individual has a vested interest in the company’s success, driving accountability and innovation.
• People — Shawmut is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment that values belonging and community engagement.

Championing Workforce Diversity

Shawmut has taken significant steps to promote inclusion and belonging, including signing the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Million Women in Construction Community Pledge to increase access to training and leadership opportunities for women in the industry. The company also combats natural affinity bias by pairing high-potential employees with executive sponsors, ensuring career development and advocacy.

Additionally, Shawmut actively supports the ACE Mentor Program, providing mentorship to high school students in major markets such as Boston, New York and Los Angeles. The company’s commitment to workforce development extends to its partnerships with organizations like YouthBuild Boston and Rebuilding Together, reinforcing its dedication to community engagement.

Advancing Mental Health in Construction

Recognizing the importance of mental health in a high-stress industry, Shawmut began integrating workplace mental health into its safety and wellness program in 2016. Safety became a core value in 2009, setting the foundation for a proactive approach to total worker well-being.

Shawmut was recognized for its leadership as a Mental Health Visionary at the 2023 Construction Working Minds Summit, highlighting its industry-leading initiatives.

“The opioid crisis shed light on the connection between substance use disorder and mental health in construction,” explained Shaun Carvalho, chief safety officer. “By thetime the pandemic hit, we had already built a strong foundation with our employee assistance program (EAP), allowing us to further enhance our mental health offerings.”
 

A Leader in Substance Use Disorder Education & Response

Understanding the intersection of mental health and substance use, Shawmut was one of the earliest adopters of opioid awareness and educational tool kits, including providing naloxone (Narcan) on all jobsites.

• 2018 — Shawmut mobilized a cross-functional Opioid Task Force to provide resources for employees and partners.
• Health plan partnership — The company piloted an opioid tool kit program with its health plan to ensure employees had access to critical information.
• Training and access — Every Shawmut field and office employee has access to substance use disorder training, including Narcan administration.
• Partnerships — Shawmut collaborated with the Grayken Center for Addiction at Boston Medical Center to stay informed on the latest best practices and research.
• Naloxone on jobsites — Shawmut ensures that Narcan is not just available but also accessible on every jobsite. The construction industry has been disproportionately affected by the opioid crisis, with workers facing higher rates of injury and subsequent pain management prescriptions. “Having naloxone readily available on-site is about more than just compliance — it’s about protecting our people,” said Carvalho. “It ensures that if an emergency occurs, our teams are prepared to act immediately.”

CEO Les Hiscoe reinforced this point: “At Shawmut, safety isn’t just about hard hats and harnesses — it’s about taking care of our people in every way possible, including mental health and substance use awareness. By prioritizing education and equipping our teams with the right tools, we are creating a culture where help is accessible, and stigma is eliminated.”

Leading the Way in Mental Health Initiatives

Shawmut has implemented several key initiatives to address mental health and well-being in construction, including:

• Culture of Care Toolbox Talks — Launched in 2021, these monthly discussions cover topics such as PTSD, suicide prevention, and the impact of racism and sexism in the workplace.
• Mental Health & Wellness Leadership Group — Established during Safety Week 2023, this 50-member volunteer team, including senior leaders, drives initiatives to address the mental health crisis in the industry.
• Suicide awareness training — An online course is available for all employees, reinforcing Shawmut’s commitment to education and intervention.
• Mental health benefits — The company offers 24/7 confidential EAP services and access to Learn to Live, an external online resource with mental health programs for social anxiety, depression, stress and more.

Scaling Mental Health Initiatives Across the Industry

Shawmut’s Mental Health & Wellness Leadership Group (MHWLG) is at the forefront of industrywide change. With more than 50 members spanning various functions, this group is dedicated to implementing and scaling mental health initiatives across jobsites, offices (including remote and hybrid work environments), and the broader construction industry.

“The goal is not just to create a safer and healthier environment at Shawmut, but to influence the industry as a whole,” said Hiscoe. “By leading with action, we hope to inspire other firms to prioritize mental health and well-being in construction.”

A Blueprint for the Future

Shawmut’s unwavering commitment to safety, mental health and inclusion has set a new standard in the industry. As the company continues to expand its impact, its people-first approach ensures that every employee, project partner and community it serves benefits from a workplace culture built on care, excellence and continuous improvement