Experienced Environmental Health and Safety Operations Manager to Lead Comprehensive Mental Health Initiatives

The health and well-being of team members have always been a priority at Jordan Foster Construction. Furthering this commitment, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Asma Bayunus, Environmental Health and Safety Operations Manager, as the leader of the newly created position of Mental Wellness Manager. In this dual role, Asma will lead critical mental health awareness initiatives across the organization.

Health & Wellness Programs Improve Employee Safety and Productivity

The construction industry has historically been challenged in managing the harsh realities of high stress, long hours, and physical demands on employees. It also faces some of the highest suicide rates and substance use issues across U.S. industries. These factors highlight the critical need for a proactive wellness culture that prioritizes mental and physical safety equally.

“I am honored to lead the effort to further Jordan Foster Construction’s leadership in Health and Wellness,” said Asma, “I have deep personal commitment to ensuring a safe, healthy, and supportive work environment for every member of the Jordan Foster team.”

As Mental Wellness Manager, Asma’s priority will be to continue raising awareness, educating, and developing an environment where employees are well prepared to respond well to crises, and foster preventative health practices. Her leadership aims to normalize mental health care, break down stigma, and create a balanced approach to wellness on and off the jobsite. Asma’s extensive background in EHS operations and her deep commitment to her colleagues’ health make her uniquely qualified for this new role.

Four Areas of Focus Will Keep JFC on the Forefront of Industry Best Practices

Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being

The Mental Wellness Manager will lead the development and implementation of mental health awareness programs and campaigns across the organization. These initiatives aim to create an open, supportive environment where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health issues, helping to reduce stigma and encourage seeking support when needed.

An important innovation will be organizing toolbox talks and safety stand-downs to address mental health challenges such as suicide prevention, job burnout, and substance misuse. These discussions will become a regular and integral part of the company’s safety culture, ensuring mental health is treated equally to physical safety.

The Mental Wellness Manager will also actively promote Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and other available company resources, ensuring employees know where to turn for support without fear of judgment.

Physical Health Programs in Partnership with EHS

In collaboration with the EHS (Environmental Health and Safety) department, the Mental Wellness Manager will oversee continuing physical health initiatives, including promoting injury prevention through ergonomic awareness, stretch-and-flex routines, and other wellness practices to reduce on-the-job stress and injuries.

The Mental Wellness Manager will align wellness initiatives with existing safety protocols, such as introducing hydration programs during extreme heat and offering resources for physical fitness, nutrition, and general wellness. These initiatives provide a holistic approach to employee well-being that integrates physical and mental health.

Crisis Support and Response

The Mental Wellness Manager will provide crisis support to employees following serious incidents or traumatic events. The Mental Wellness Manager will help facilitate post-incident support, connecting employees to appropriate counseling or grief support services.

Additionally, the Mental Wellness Manager will support the team through trauma processing, ensuring affected individuals receive the proper care and attention during difficult times. Thoroughly processing trauma is crucial to helping employees navigate challenging situations and promoting healing within the organization.

Culture and Engagement

A significant focus of the Mental Wellness Manager will be to build on and further instill JFC’s culture of care throughout the organization. A culture that integrates mental wellness into the overall safety culture, ensuring that mental health and physical safety are equally prioritized in leadership development and day-to-day operations.

By cultivating a supportive and caring environment, the Mental Wellness Manager will help ensure that employees feel valued for their work performance and overall well-being as valued members of the JFC family. A caring environment also positively contributes to a more engaged and productive workforce committed to the company’s mission while prioritizing their health and safety.

Looking Ahead

Asma’s appointment as Mental Wellness Manager is an exciting development for Jordan Foster Construction. With her leadership, we aim to further innovate on and integrate our approach to wellness and ensure that our employees’ health remains at the forefront of everything we do. Adding this role to our organization is just one more step in our ongoing commitment to Building Texas Together, where our team’s safety, health, and well-being are always the top priority.