Stronger Together: Building a Culture of Wellness at MZ Construction

At MZ Construction, we believe that our greatest asset is our people. For nearly a century, we’ve built more than just structures—we’ve built a team that thrives on hard work, dedication, and an unbreakable bond of support. In an industry that demands physical endurance and mental resilience, prioritizing employee wellness isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity.

That’s why we launched the Stronger Together campaign, a company-wide initiative designed to support, empower, and fortify our team members both on and off the jobsite. From physical fitness challenges to mental health advocacy, we’re committed to ensuring that everyone at MZ Construction has the tools they need to succeed—not just as workers, but as people.

 

A Year of Wellness Challenges

One of the cornerstones of the Stronger Together campaign is our monthly wellness challenges. These challenges encourage employees to take small, consistent steps toward better health—whether that’s through physical activity, nutrition, mindfulness, or recovery.

Our first challenge, which kicked off in March, focused on fitness, offering employees the chance to win big prizes simply by engaging in healthy movement. But this is just the beginning. Currently our April Challenge: Spring Reset has people meditating, doing cold plunges, and even tackling their spring cleaning! Future challenges will cover everything from hydration and healthy eating to stress management and sleep hygiene. We want to create a workplace culture where taking care of yourself isn’t just encouraged—it’s celebrated.

 

FORTIFYthePACK: A Tribute and a Mission

Wellness at MZ Construction is about more than just fitness. It’s about mental health, resilience, and looking out for one another.

That’s why we established FORTIFYthePACK, an initiative that serves both as a memorial and a mission. Named in honor of Tony Pack, a beloved member of the MZ family, this initiative advocates for mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and holistic wellness in the construction industry. Tony’s legacy reminds us all of the importance of checking in on our coworkers, offering support, and fostering a culture where asking for help is seen as a sign of strength.

Through FORTIFYthePACK, we aim to provide resources, support systems, and a sense of community that ensures no one at MZ Construction ever feels alone in their struggles.

 

Why Wellness Matters in Construction

Construction is one of the toughest industries out there—both physically and mentally. The work is demanding, the hours are long, and the stress can be overwhelming. But beyond the daily grind, there are serious health risks that we can’t ignore:

  • Construction workers are at higher risk for addiction. Studies show that substance abuse rates are nearly twice as high in construction compared to other industries.

  • Suicide rates in construction are among the highest of any profession. Studies indicate that construction workers face a significantly higher risk of suicide, with rates approximately four times higher than the general population.

  • Physical injuries and chronic pain lead to long-term health issues. The physical demands of the job put workers at increased risk for musculoskeletal disorders, joint injuries, and chronic pain, which can contribute to long-term health challenges that impact overall well-being.

With these challenges in mind, our focus on wellness is not just a perk—it’s a necessity. By prioritizing both physical and mental well-being, we’re taking a stand for the health and safety of our entire team.

 

Prioritizing Recovery: In-House Massage and Acupuncture

At MZ Construction, we know that recovery is just as important as hard work. That’s why we offer in-house massage and acupuncture services for our employees. These services help alleviate stress, reduce muscle tension, and promote overall well-being, ensuring our team stays strong and ready to tackle any challenge. Investing in recovery means investing in our people—because a well-rested, healthy team is a successful team.

 

Built to Last: Strong Partnerships, Strong People

MZ Construction is proud to stand alongside industry leaders, unions, and wellness organizations who share our vision. Together, we’re pushing for better resources, training, and awareness that will benefit not just our employees, but the entire construction workforce.

We’re Stronger Together—and that means supporting each other in every way possible. Whether it's through fitness challenges, mental health advocacy, or simply looking out for the person next to us on the jobsite, we’re committed to fortifying our team, our culture, and our future.

So to everyone at MZ: Stay strong. Stay connected. Stay healthy. And remember, we build better when we build together.

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