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Did you know that September 16-20 is National Construction Appreciation Week? Construction professionals play an essential role in our infrastructure, economy and everyday lives, and their hard work deserves recognition and celebration. Appreciating your crew doesn’t have to be limited to one week only, of course – here are some ideas to show that you aren’t just paying lip service to this holiday:
Emphasize safety and well-being: Beyond standard jobsite safety measures, show your team that their well-being matters to you. Construction is not only a physically demanding job, but mentally as well; a 2023 study indicated construction workers are four times more likely to die by suicide than the general public. Encourage a healthy work-life balance, foster a workplace culture that allows for open and honest dialog around mental health issues, and provide easy access to professional support.
Provide opportunities for growth: Investing in your workers’ futures is an excellent way to show you appreciate what they bring to your organization. Offer opportunities for them to attend training sessions, workshops, certification programs or other professional development programs; this demonstrates you value them as a member of the team and acknowledge their career growth goals.
Get involved with the community: Volunteering with local charities is a great way to demonstrate how the construction industry is integral in helping communities thrive. Or, consider holding an open house at a recently completed jobsite (or in a safe section of a project that’s currently under construction) and inviting local residents. By providing tours, demonstrations or other activities for the public, you can help them better appreciate the work construction workers do and how they contribute to their community.
No matter how you decide to show appreciation for construction professionals, commit to making it a year-round effort in your organization. AOE does so by investing all our profits back into the construction industry through scholarships, donations to industry-related nonprofits and more. Join the conversation on social media by using #ConstructionAppreciationWeek in your posts, or reach out to AOE for more ideas on showing your appreciation!