By Lindsay Barker,
In the fast-paced, high-pressure world of construction, stress often feels like part of the job. At Brinkman Construction, employee well-being is a top priority, with programs designed to manage stress and provide people with the tools they need to be successful in all aspects of life.
Employee wellness is ingrained in both structured programs and daily culture at the company. A dedicated wellness committee aims to support the physical, mental, and financial health of every team member—whether they’re in the office or on the jobsite.
The wellness committee plays a key role in turning Brinkman Construction’s commitment into action, regularly organizing creative, inclusive initiatives that bring people together and promote healthy habits. Once a month, the committee provides resources highlighting timely wellness topics ranging from financial education to mental health tips. Along with providing resources, the group has supplied snacks, thermoses and lunchboxes to jobsites to ensure field teams are supported.
Larger events the committee organizes include a company-wide ski day, participation in bike-to-work day, and a zombie step challenge. The zombie challenge, one of the most competitive initiatives, turned fitness into a high-stakes survival game. Employees formed teams and tracked their steps daily in an app to avoid being “caught” by virtual zombies. If a team didn’t hit their daily goal of 15,000 steps, they were out of the competition and became zombies themselves, chasing the remaining teams. Some teams even purposely forfeited the competition just so they could chase their fellow coworkers. This challenge created a fun, competitive environment at work, boosting camaraderie and encouraging people to stay active.
“I love coming up with fun, creative ways to bring our teams together. It’s been a great way to build connections and boost morale. The wellness program has definitely made my experience at Brinkman Construction more engaging and rewarding,” said Alyssa Elijah, project coordinator and wellness committee member.
Along with engaging events that keep people active, the company also emphasizes mental well-being through interactive trainings provided by Learning and Development Manager Lisa Marini.
With a background in neuroscience and brain-based coaching, Marini helps employees understand how stress functions in the brain and how to regulate their mental state in high-pressure environments like construction. Her trainings cover a range of topics including emotional regulation, effective communication, leadership development, and how to quiet the inner critic.
One of the most impactful elements of Lisa’s approach is the emphasis on practical tools and consistent, accessible support. She leads an optional weekly “Brain Break” for the entire company consisting of 15-minute guided meditations or visualizations that offer a reset in the middle of a busy week. She also keeps open calendar hours where employees can schedule one-on-one coaching sessions to talk through work stress, personal challenges, and anything in between.
“At Brinkman Construction, we don’t just build projects—we build people,” Marini said. “Prioritizing the well-being of our employee-owners is what sets us apart. Through leadership training rooted in mindfulness and neuroscience, and a culture that champions boundary-setting and mental health, we are creating a workplace where people feel seen, supported, and empowered.”
Brinkman Construction’s wellness program reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting its people in meaningful, tangible ways. The program encourages employees to take care of themselves and each other, creating space for growth and resilience. As the demands of the industry continue to evolve, Brinkman Construction remains focused on creating a workplace where well-being is prioritized and people feel empowered to show up as their best selves.
Lindsay Barker is a marketing coordinator at Brinkman Construction, where she leads a wide range of marketing and communications initiatives that reflect the company’s values and drive meaningful engagement with clients, partners, and industry peers. With a background in journalism and several years of experience in the AEC industry, Lindsay brings a strategic mindset and a creative eye to both the storytelling and brand communication aspects of her work. She supports a variety of internal and external marketing efforts—from digital content and press outreach to employee communications and brand development. Based in Fort Collins, Lindsay plays a key role in shaping how Brinkman communicates its mission both within the company and to the broader community.
