PCL Construction adopts a comprehensive mental health package

PCL Construction Enterprises, Inc. has announced the integration of Lyra Health, the leading provider of mental health solutions, into its U.S. benefits package. With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, this addition marks an important step forward in PCL’s ongoing commitment to prioritizing the mental health and well-being of its employees.

The construction industry is known for its resilience, adaptability and teamwork. However, it is also a sector that can be physically and mentally demanding, with high stress levels, long working hours and a unique set of challenges that can negatively impact the mental well-being of our workers: unfortunately, construction comes in second place in the rankings suicide rate among major industries, with 83% of construction workers saying they have experienced some sort of mental health problem.

“Recognizing and addressing the mental health of our employees is critical to our business and a critical concern within our industry. By integrating Lyra Health into our benefits package, we are taking a significant step forward in our ongoing commitment to supporting our employees,” said Deron Brown, PCL president and Chief Operating Officer, US Operations.

As part of the Lyra integration, PCL is offering its U.S. employees and their dependents six complimentary therapy sessions with high-quality providers, regardless of whether the employee participates in PCL benefit plans. Employee-linked providers are included in PCL’s benefits plan for those who choose to expand sessions beyond the first six free sessions. Employees also gain access to a range of additional resources from Lyra, including evidence-based articles, videos, meditations and exercises, and 24/7 support from Lyra’s Care Navigator Team.

In an industry where “push through” has often been the best approach to combatting internal strife, PCL’s adoption of Lyra represents a significant step toward encouraging open conversations about mental health.

“As a company, PCL values ​​the importance of mental wellness for our employees and their families,” said Bridget McNerney, benefits and compliance manager at PCL. “We want our employees to use Lyra to meet everything from life’s everyday challenges to more complex needs. Lyra provides a benefit that I am proud that PCL offers to our employees and where we can trust that our employees will get the support they need when they need it.”

As awareness has grown of the urgent need to address the mental health crisis in construction, the industry has become united in offering resources and support. PCL leadership has advocated for an increased focus on mental wellness in a series of thought leadership articles, and earlier this year PCL sponsored the Construction Working Minds Summit. Through open dialogue, PCL creates a culture that promotes preventive care, destigmatizes help-seeking and promotes mental health awareness. The movement to promote mental health is just beginning, and PCL is poised to become an advocate for change in the years to come.