One in four construction workers struggle with mental health issues.
Suicide rates are over 3x higher for construction workers than the national average.
Our country now loses more construction workers to suicide than to jobsite injuries or accidents.
For every person who dies by suicide, 280 people think seriously about it but don’t act on it.
Tough Enough to Talk
It takes strength and courage to face our demons. Open up and talk. Accept some help. It won’t be easy, but as we like to say: we don’t do easy. We need to be Tough Enough to Talk about mental health.
Break the Stigma
Safety at Hoffman is about caring for the whole person, body and mind. Physical safety has always been part of our culture, but true safety also means supporting mental and emotional health. In construction, the pressure to “tough it out” can keep people from reaching out when they need help. We’re working to change that.
Tough Enough to Talk is Hoffman’s program to bring mental wellness into the open, creating awareness, sparking conversations, and normalizing struggles like depression, anxiety, and substance use. The program connects our people with resources, trainings, and stories from peers who’ve had the courage to speak up.
By giving mental wellness the attention it deserves, we’re working to break the stigma and support every member of our team, both on and off the job.
The Human Side of a Tough Industry
The work we do is tough, and the stress that comes with it can show up in many ways.
- Rugged culture of individualism
- Long hours and demanding schedules
- Uncertainty about future work
- Physical exhaustion and chronic pain
- High-pressure environments and tight deadlines
- Financial pressures at work and at home
- Separation from family due to travel or remote job sites
Building a Culture That Supports Mental Health
Physical Spaces: Embodiments of the Culture in Action
We’ve expanded Tough Enough to Talk with new spaces on our jobsites designed for connection, privacy, and decompression.
GUTS Rooms
More than just a break area, the GUTS Room is a familiar setting dedicated to building community and learning to communicate. We believe there is no set formula for this; every project team has the freedom to shape the space in the way that makes the most sense for them.
By offering a place to connect on a human level, these rooms help foster a deeper workforce appreciation for the needs of the community we are building together. Whether used for a quiet lunch, a support group, or a conversation, the goal is always connection.
Moment Rooms
As the name suggests, this room is for exactly that: taking a moment. Whether used for a private conversation, a scheduled counseling session, or urgent crisis intervention, this space allows workers to step away from the noise without leaving the jobsite. It is a private resource designed to handle whatever the situation requires, offering immediate privacy for anyone who needs to pause, reset, or speak confidentially.
The more we talk and try to break down the stigmas, the more we hear about how people need help, or what they’re struggling with, or what we can do better, not only as a company but also as an industry.Dave Garske Vice President, Hoffman Construction
Resources
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Lines for Life
- Oregon: 503-433-7878
- Out-of-state: 833-444-6020
¿Necesitas hablar en español? Llame al 503-433-7878, manténgase en la línea y lo conectaremos con alguien que pueda hablar con usted.
English and Spanish-speaking counselors are available. Interpreters are provided for other languages.
Want to learn more?
Contact our team to join the effort to support mental health in construction.
Reach Out