Brinkman Construction’s Wellness Program: Putting People First

In the fast-paced, high-pressure world of construction, stress often feels like part of the job. At Brinkman Construction, we make employee well-being a top priority, offering programs that help manage stress and give our people the tools they need to be successful in all aspects of life.

Wellness is ingrained in both our structured programs and our daily culture. Our dedicated wellness committee works to support the physical, mental, and financial health of every team member—whether they’re in the office or out on the jobsite.

The committee turns our commitment into action by organizing creative, inclusive initiatives that bring people together and promote healthy habits. Each month, the wellness committee share resources on timely wellness topics ranging from financial education to mental health tips. They’ve also supplied snacks, thermoses, and lunchboxes to jobsites so our field teams feel supported.

Larger events the committee organizes include a company-wide ski day, participation in bike-to-work day, and a zombie step challenge.The zombie challenge transformed fitness into a high-stakes survival game where teams tracked their daily steps to avoid being “caught” by virtual zombies. If a team didn’t hit the 15,000-step goal, they joined the zombie ranks and began chasing their coworkers. Some teams even gave up on purpose just to join in the chase! The challenge created a fun, competitive environment that boosted camaraderie and encouraged everyone to stay active.

“I love coming up with fun, creative ways to bring our teams together. It’s been a great way to build connections and boost morale. The wellness program has definitely made my experience at Brinkman Construction more engaging and rewarding,” said Alyssa Elijah, project coordinator and wellness committee member.

Along with engaging events, we also place a strong emphasis on mental well-being through interactive trainings led by our Learning and Development Manager, Lisa Marini.

With a background in neuroscience and brain-based coaching, Lisa helps us understand how stress functions in the brain and how to regulate our mental state in high-pressure environments. Her trainings cover topics like emotional regulation, effective communication, leadership development, and quieting the inner critic.

One of the most impactful parts of Lisa’s approach is her focus on practical tools and consistent, accessible support. She leads optional weekly “Brain Breaks” for the entire company—15-minute guided meditations or visualizations that give us a reset in the middle of a busy week. She also keeps open calendar hours for one-on-one coaching sessions, where employees can talk through work stress, personal challenges, or anything in between.

“At Brinkman Construction, we don’t just build projects—we build people,” Lisa said. “Prioritizing the well-being of our employee-owners is what sets us apart. Through leadership training rooted in mindfulness and neuroscience, and a culture that champions boundary-setting and mental health, we are creating a workplace where people feel seen, supported, and empowered.”

Our wellness program reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting our people in meaningful, tangible ways. We encourage employees to take care of themselves and each other, creating space for growth and resilience. As the demands of the industry continue to evolve, we remain focused on creating a workplace where well-being comes first and our people feel empowered to show up as their best selves.