In a groundbreaking move set to transform the construction industry,
Wellness Workdays, a prominent provider of workplace wellness solutions, has entered into a strategic partnership with
Shawmut Design and Construction. This collaboration aims to launch an innovative well-being initiative that specifically caters to the needs of construction professionals. Recognizing the necessity of fostering a culture that prioritizes safety, the partnership intends to integrate physical, mental, and emotional health into Shawmut's already robust safety program, known for its dedication to excellence and proactive innovation.
Shawmut, a $2 billion national construction management firm, is celebrated for its outstanding jobsite safety record, a framework that’s been built over decades of successful operations in the field. As it evolves, Shawmut identifies the importance of addressing a fuller spectrum of health, beyond just the physical safety aspects typically associated with construction work. This partnership represents a strategic evolution in how Shawmut approaches worker safety, by now placing well-being at the core of its safety practices.
Shaun Carvalho, the Chief Safety Officer at Shawmut, articulated this shift by stating, "Construction safety is evolving—and well-being is now at the heart of it." He emphasized that while Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and established protocols remain essential, it is critical to also support the mental and emotional health of workers. The new partnership with Wellness Workdays will deliver personalized, proven strategies designed to offer necessary resources, catch potential issues early, and connect employees with appropriate support systems.
The partnership will employ Wellness Workdays' outcomes-focused health framework, tailor-made for field teams, trade partners, and corporate staff alike. This includes a series of initiatives:
- - Biometric screenings and behavioral health coaching: Monitoring employees' health metrics and providing them with tools and support to enhance their well-being.
- - Ergonomic risk assessments: Utilizing cutting-edge AI tools to evaluate and mitigate potential ergonomic risks within the workplace.
- - Customized wellness challenges and resources: Offering targeted programs that include construction-specific wellness resources, challenges that encourage personal and team health engagement, and discussions aimed at increasing awareness about workplace well-being.
- - Support focused areas: Identifying key concerns including sleep quality, chronic diseases, financial well-being, and resilience development.
Debra Wein, the CEO and Founder of Wellness Workdays, highlighted that this partnership marks a new vision for the future of work in construction, stating, "This isn't just a wellness program—it's a strategic investment in workforce strength and safety." By aligning these wellness strategies with existing safety measures, both organizations are aiming to generate a significant impact, not just on-site but across the industry as a whole.
Wellness Workdays boasts a proven record, supported by over two decades of experience in crafting measurable workplace wellness programs that effectively reduce healthcare costs while boosting employee productivity. As a Certified Woman-Owned Business Enterprise, it has earned numerous industry accolades, thanks to its successful partnerships with prestigious clients such as
New Balance,
Harvard Business School, and the
Maine Department of Transportation.
On the other hand, Shawmut, being an employee-owned company, is noted for its ability to complete projects that are extremely complex and logistically demanding. With more than 80% of its business stemming from repeat clients, Shawmut prioritizes building lasting relationships, a fact which strongly aligns with its commitment to employee engagement and safety. With offices distributed across major cities, including Boston, New York, and Los Angeles, Shawmut operates with an ethos characterized by ownership, innovation, and care.
As the construction industry faces increasing demands for enhanced safety practices, the collaboration between Wellness Workdays and Shawmut Design and Construction serves as a leading example of how holistic well-being can significantly enhance a company’s safety culture. By nurturing the comprehensive health of employees, the partnership not only addresses immediate physical safety needs but also strengthens the overall workplace culture. This partnership sets a precedent for how the integration of well-being into safety protocols could shape the future landscape of work in construction, ultimately leading to a more engaged, satisfied, and safer workforce.