August 6, 2025 Prioritizing Mental Health in the Workplace

FTI supports mental health through our Culture of Care, wellness program and stigma-free initiatives—your organization can too.

By Alyssa Kwasny

Taking care of yourself means more than just looking after your physical health—it means prioritizing your mental well-being, too. In today’s fast-paced, results-driven workplace full of deadlines, meetings and more, it is not always easy for organizations to slow down and prioritize their team members’ mental health. However, it is more important than ever to foster an environment where team members feel safe, welcomed and supported every day.

At Faith Technologies Incorporated (FTI), this begins with our Culture of Care. FTI is a national leader in engineering, construction, manufacturing and clean energy, and we recognize the high stress levels in our industry. We aim to combat this with wellness initiatives like mental health check-ins, benefits that support overall well-being and a pledge for team members to commit to fostering a stigma-free, supportive culture. This ensures that everyone can bring their whole selves to work — mind, body and soul. Your organization can follow suit by taking actionable steps to support mental health and build a workplace where compassion thrives.  

FTI’s Culture of Care: More Than a Motto

Our Culture of Care is more than just another corporate initiative—it’s a guiding principle. We strive to create a positive, inclusive space through the following objectives:

1. Support the development of respectful and empathetic team members.
2. Foster a supportive, caring and safe environment.
3. Enable a positive and stigma-free culture.

New team members are asked to sign a pledge committing to creating a safe and respectful workplace, setting the tone for a culture where total well-being is a shared priority.

Leaders receive mental well-being training to better support their teams, and regular mental health check-ins give team members space to reflect on any concerns and seek support. We want our teams to know that it is okay to ask for help.

If a team member needs time off to focus on their well-being, they are encouraged to do so through our Time to Recharge benefit. Each team member receives two hours of paid time off each month to use for self-care, training or professional health services. We believe taking time for yourself is not just allowed, it’s encouraged.

Wellness in Action

Supporting mental health means providing the right tools and resources.  We’re proud to offer a robust wellness program and benefits so everyone can take action to become the best version of themselves.

FTI’s enhanced Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Lyra Health is just one way team members can get mental health support and resources. This program offers eight free therapy or coaching sessions, guided self-care planning and more so they can spend less time looking for care and more time feeling better.

Additionally, Personify Health, FTI’s total well-being platform, helps team members reach their health goals with incentives like discounted health insurance premiums and Rewards Cash that can be used for gift cards, merchandise and more. The platform also includes RethinkCare, a digital resource with videos and mini courses on stress management, relationship building and mental wellness.

Building Culture Through Engagement

Developing a successful wellness program takes more than just good ideas, it takes people. Our program thrives thanks to team members who champion wellness, encourage participation and promote a culture of well-being. At FTI, we call them Wellness Champions. These individuals work to improve the health and well-being of the workplace in conjunction with our wellness team. Champions are selected each year through an application process and inspire, excite and encourage others by connecting and educating their co-workers about wellness program offerings, while driving local engagement. They are an important part in shaping the culture of health and well-being at FTI.

Breaking the Silence Around Mental Health

Talking about mental health breaks the stigma. While it can be difficult to share your struggles, experiences and stories, doing so is vital in showing others that they are not alone. At FTI, we say: It’s okay not to be okay.

One of our most impactful initiatives is Mental Health Moments, a platform where team members can share their stories and challenges anonymously or publicly. If they choose, their responses are posted on a page for others to read. This initiative is a powerful way for team members to inspire and lift each other up, fostering empathy and compassion. Through these stories, our Culture of Care shines through, showcasing the vulnerability and bravery of our team.

Steps You Can Take

Prioritizing mental health in the workplace may seem like a daunting task—but taking small steps toward change can make a significant difference. Start by listening to team members and their needs. Ask what would make the biggest difference in supporting their mental health and wellness. Use this feedback to take action on what you can do to improve and develop your policies, programs and benefits. Show your team members that their voices are heard and valued!

Based on the feedback you receive, another key to improving workplace mental health is prioritizing your wellness program and wellness benefits. Create a place where team members can thrive. Consider:

• Expanding mental health benefits through an EAP
• Offering digital resources like mental health apps or online content
• Hosting training sessions to equip leaders with tools better support their teams
• Reminding team members about the connection between physical and mental health—encourage movement, healthy habits and self-care

Leading With Empathy

Change starts at the core—by fostering a supportive culture. Normalize conversations about mental health and encourage open dialogue surrounding the topic. Listen and lead with empathy, sharing meaningful resources that help team members feel safe and supported. At FTI, we’ve seen how prioritizing mental health not only supports our people but strengthens our entire organization. Let’s continue to break the stigma, champion wellness and build workplaces where mental health is truly valued.

About the Author:
Alyssa Kwasny is the Wellness Program Director at Faith Technologies Incorporated (FTI). Her leadership background spans a number of different areas, including biometric screenings, financial wellness, mental health awareness and incentive-based challenges, and championing recovery-ready workplaces and a culture of care. For nine consecutive years, she spearheaded FTI’s recognition as one of America’s Healthiest 100 Workplaces—earning a Hall of Fame induction in 2022—and led the company to achieve the Platinum Bell Seal recognition for mental health for the last past four years. Alyssa joined FTI in 2008 and is a certified Corporate Wellness Specialist, a Wellness Council of America (WELCOA) Top 100 Health Promotion Professional and a 2018 Well-Being 100 Award recipient.

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