During Construction Suicide Prevention Week in September, JE Dunn employees participated in local “Speak Up for Suicide Prevention” talks to demonstrate their support for individuals affected by suicide. Alarmingly, suicide rates in the general population are approximately 32 per 100,000 people, but in the construction industry, this figure rises to around 56 per 100,000 workers. Acknowledging the gravity of this issue, JE Dunn is committed to reducing stigma and providing support to both employees and their families.
In addition to our ongoing partnership with mental health and wellness provider Lyra and Speak Up events, we took further steps this year to encourage open dialogue around suicide prevention. JE Dunn created opportunities for employees to share their experiences and thoughts, either anonymously or publicly, to foster a more inclusive environment. To amplify awareness, JE Dunn conducted a national survey and developed a graphic with the responses that illustrated the various ways employees are connected to the issue of suicide. More than half of survey respondents reported having lost a relative or friend to suicide; 21% had personally struggled with or attempted suicide. Others have lost spouses, parents, and children to suicide.
By actively engaging our workforce in conversations about mental health, we hope to create a culture where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength, ultimately leading to better support for everyone involved.
