
Transforming Company Culture: Meet Garret Barbush
In a bold move to enhance its company culture, Warfel Construction has welcomed Garret Barbush as its new Director of People Engagement and Support. With a wealth of experience from his previous role as the President and CEO of Men of Iron, Barbush is set to lead initiatives that promote employee satisfaction and carve a supportive workplace environment in the construction industry.
The construction sector often grapples with high pressure and stress, making mental health and employee engagement critically important. Barbush's mission is clear: foster relationships and mentor employees to create an atmosphere where everyone thrives. He aims to echo the values of compassion and understanding that he established at Men of Iron, focusing on the importance of wellness both at work and home.
From Nonprofit to Construction: A Unique Journey
Barbush's path to Warfel is not conventional. After dedicating years as a leader in a nonprofit focused on mentorship, he recognizes the need for like-minded support structures in corporate settings, particularly within construction. By encouraging dialogue and fostering a sense of community among nearly 300 employees, he aspires to reinforce the company's strengths during its ongoing growth.
The Long-Term Vision: Mentorship Programs
One of Barbush’s first initiatives involves establishing a comprehensive mentorship program at Warfel. Drawing from his background, he understands that mentorship is pivotal for personal and professional growth. Through targeted interaction and mutual trust-building, Barbush plans to roll out this program gradually, ensuring it resonates effectively with employees. "I want to create a supportive atmosphere where knowledge is shared, and employees feel valued beyond their immediate outputs," he states.
Building Trust: Connecting on a Personal Level
Barbush believes that genuine engagement stems from truly understanding your team. Hence, he faces the challenge of connecting with employees. His approach is straightforward: organize casual meetings over coffee to discuss everything from work roles to personal interests, which allows employees to open up freely. This kind of engagement goes beyond conventional corporate practices, aiming to create genuine connections that contribute to enhanced mental health and job satisfaction.
Aiming for Better Mental Health in Construction
The construction industry faces a troubling backdrop with rising mental health issues, including high suicide rates. Barbush's role signifies a proactive step toward combating this epidemic. By developing avenues for employees to seek support, providing wellness workshops, and facilitating discussions around mental health challenges, he positions Warfel as an industry leader in employee wellness. He recognizes that attending to the human side of work is crucial: "Employees are more productive and engaged when they feel supported in their lives, not just their work."
Engagement Beyond the Workplace
Furthermore, Barbush reminds us that a happy workforce translates to better company results. The leadership at Warfel wants employees to flourish not just in their professions but in every aspect of their life—be it financial stability, health, or family happiness. By supporting total human health, he believes employees become more engaged and committed, leading to higher retention and satisfaction rates.
Create a Culture of Care
Warfel Construction, through its new leadership direction under Barbush, is not merely changing titles; it is redefining what it means to work in the construction industry. It’s about embracing a holistic approach to health and well-being in an industry that often overlooks these fundamental needs. By investing in people, they invest in the future.
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