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
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
| Jun 11, 2012
Historic church gains energy efficiency, retains aesthetics with architecturally rated windows
New windows would need to not only stand the test of time, but also accommodate the aesthetics of an architecturally historic church.
| Jun 11, 2012
Genivar and WSP Group join forces
Genivar concurrently announces a $225 million public bought deal of subscription receipts, a $197 million private placement of subscription receipts and new credit facilities.
| Jun 11, 2012
SimplexGrinnell highlights integrated suite of web-based technologies at NFPA Expo
eservices platform uses the power of the Internet to deliver more value to customers.
| Jun 11, 2012
Reed Construction announces new hire and promotion
Reed Construction hired Augie Insalaco as a project manager and promoted Matt Mahoney from project intern to project engineer.
| Jun 11, 2012
Hill International selected as CM for Porto Arabia Towers in Qatar
The complex is a mixed-use development featuring both residential and commercial properties.
| Jun 8, 2012
Living Building Challenge wins the 2012 Buckminster Fuller Challenge
The Living Building Challenge was chosen from a pool of 122 of entries from around the world.
| Jun 8, 2012
Nauset Construction completing sustainable dorm for Brooks School
Student input on green elements provides learning experience.
| Jun 8, 2012
Skyline Construction names Millitello president
Millitello is a 31-year veteran who has overseen the construction of campus-size projects.