Lexicon Focuses on Employee Challenges for “Strong as Steel: Building Mental Might”
Company strengthens mental health wellness and support programs for nearly 3,000 employees
For the third consecutive year, Arkansas-based Lexicon, Inc. is observing National Wellness Month through “Strong as Steel: Building Mental Might,” a month-long internal campaign designed to support employee mental health. Launched in August 2024, the program aims to reduce stigma, encourage open conversations and connect employees to vital resources.
Recognizing the high-stress nature of the construction industry, Lexicon is committed to providing consistent, accessible support. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four construction workers report mental health concerns, and the suicide rate for men and women in the industry is significantly higher than the national average. This ongoing campaign is part of Lexicon’s broader effort to change that statistic and prioritize employee well-being year-round.
“There’s nothing more important in our industry than taking care of each other. We can no longer ‘tough it out’ when we are struggling,” said Lexicon CEO Patrick Schueck. “Every person carries challenges that can be hard to shoulder, whether they’re related to work, family, finances or something else. Our people are what make this company great, and Strong as Steel is about reminding them that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. No one should have to face their challenges alone, and this campaign lets them know we’re providing those needed answers and resources when they do ask.”
This year’s company-wide campaign focuses on the real-life experiences of Lexicon employees while continuing to reduce the stigma around mental health and encouraging people to seek help when they need it. Through videos, employee features and campaign materials, Strong as Steel will highlight the everyday challenges employees face — both on and off the job — while reinforcing that support is available and easy to access. Employees will also receive a mental health toolkit containing informational brochures, a letter from Schueck, stress-relief aids and other resources.
The initiative also reinforces Lexicon’s ongoing mental health support infrastructure, which includes:
- An On-Site Health Clinic: Located at Lexicon’s Little Rock headquarters, the clinic provides in-person mental health support and connects employees to additional resources.
- Telehealth Services: Available to employees across the state and nation, Lexicon’s telehealth services ensure that all team members have access to the care they need, regardless of location.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Lexicon’s EAP offers employees free access to a range of services, including financial, marriage and family counseling.
- Expanded Leave Options: Tailored leave policies create multiple avenues for employees to take the time they need to get well.
“Many of the struggles people carry aren’t immediately visible, but that doesn’t make them any less real,” said Lexicon Chief Human Resources Officer Janell Schmidt. “Strong as Steel is about creating a culture where employees know it’s okay to speak up, ask for help and support one another. We want every member of our team to know these resources are here whenever they’re needed, not just during National Wellness Month, but every day of the year.”
The initiative has helped position Lexicon as a leader in workplace wellness, earning the company an honorable mention in Ragan Communications’ Workplace Wellness Awards in the Mental Health Workplace category last year.
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