The mental health of workers has emerged as an urgent topic within the construction industry, with firms considering the issue as part of their employee wellness initiatives.
One such firm is Minneapolis-based general contractor Gardner Builders. Three of its jobsites currently include Wellness Pods, 6x8-ft steel boxes that provide workers with a temporary, anxiety free sanctuary for private activities. The heated and cooled pods are wheelchair-accessible, with a mini fridge, desk and chair, and rug.
The concept for the pods dates back to last year, when Gardner Builders noticed that its employees engaged in activities that might be best served by having a private space to retire to. This need was expressed further during a meeting of the company’s internal Pulse group, which discusses employee concerns. A 20-year-old female laborer pointed out that she had nowhere to go while at work to pump breastmilk. “The idea for the wellness pod was borne from this,” says Jessica Stoe, Gardner Builders’ Brand, Wellness, and Marketing Director, and Wellness Pod Lead.
The first pods, built in May 2022, were small plywood boxes within Gardner’s offices. Stoe says the goal, then and now, was to create a place that is soundproof, comfortable, and accessible for everything from meditation, telehealth, privacy, and prayer. Based on worker feedback, most employees seem to be using the pods for private calls.
Future pods will be mobile
![A steel Wellness POd](/sites/default/files/inline-images/image001%20%282%29.jpg)
The pod is more of a concept than a static structure; some are on wheels, for example. Gardner has also partnered with the furniture supplier Teknion to develop its steel pod with a glass door. Stoe estimates that a plywood pod costs Gardner $3,000; the steel model runs between $12,000 and $16,000.
Right now, a jobsite’s foreman or superintendent handles the scheduling for using jobsite pods. Stoe says Gardner is looking into scheduling software similar to what office workers use to book meeting rooms.
Future iterations of the pods, says Stoe, are likely to be more mobile so they can be moved around a jobsite as needed. And Gardner is developing a ground-up, climate-controlled model for exterior use. That model, says Stoe, would have an iPad mounted to it that allows workers to schedule the pod themselves.
Gardner Builders has gotten inquiries about its Wellness Pods from the local YMCA and Chamber of Commerce, and wants to share the concept with other contracting firms.
Related Stories
Office Buildings | Apr 28, 2022
A 48-story office tower to rise over boomtown Austin
In downtown Austin, Texas, a planned 48-story office tower, The Republic, recently secured its first major tenant—allowing for the groundbreaking by midyear.
Codes and Standards | Apr 27, 2022
White House guidance on Buy American for infrastructure includes waiver process
Recently released guidance on the Buy American provision within the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act released by the Office of Management and Budget includes a waiver process.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Apr 27, 2022
New Univ. of Texas Moody Center houses men’s and women’s basketball, other events
The recently completed 530,000 sf University of Texas Moody Center is the new home for men’s and women’s basketball at the Austin campus.
Green | Apr 26, 2022
Climate justice is the design challenge of our lives
As climate change accelerates, poor nations and disadvantaged communities are suffering the first and worst impacts.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 26, 2022
Fitness centers for multifamily housing: Advice from 'Dr. Fitness,' Karl Smith
In this episode for HorizonTV, Cortland's Karl Smith shares best practices for designing, siting, and operating fitness centers in apartment communities.
Mixed-Use | Apr 26, 2022
Downtown Phoenix to get hundreds of residential and student housing units
In fast-growing Phoenix, Arizona, a transit-oriented development called Central Station will sit adjacent to Arizona State University’s Downtown Phoenix campus.
Hotel Facilities | Apr 25, 2022
U.S. hotel construction pipeline up 2%, with 5,090 projects in the works
The total U.S. hotel construction pipeline stands at 5,090 projects and 606,302 rooms at the end of the first quarter of 2022, up 2% by projects, but down 3% by rooms, according to the Q1 2022 Construction Pipeline Trend Report for the United States from Lodging Econometrics (LE).
Codes and Standards | Apr 25, 2022
Supply chain constraints, shifting consumer demands adding cost pressures to office fit-outs
Cushman & Wakefield’s 2022 Americas Office Fit-Out Cost Guide found supply chain constraints and shifting consumer demands will continue to add pressure to costs, both in materials and labor.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Apr 25, 2022
Iowa's Field of Dreams to get boutique hotel, new baseball fields
A decade ago, Go the Distance Baseball formed to preserve the Iowa farm site where the 1989 movie Field of Dreams was filmed.
Building Team | Apr 22, 2022
EarthCam Adds Senior Leadership Roles to Facilitate Rapid Growth
EarthCam today announced several new leadership positions as it scales up to accommodate increasing demand for its webcam technology and services.