Continuing our Mental Health Awareness Month coverage, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas, clinical psychologist and mental health advocate, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the importance of changing workplace culture, applying safety principles to mental health and a preview of 2026’s annual mental health summit.
Dr. Sally began by emphasizing the need for a cultural shift in addressing mental health within the construction industry. She discussed how the current narrative, focusing solely on individual treatment, is insufficient. Instead, she said, a comprehensive approach considering environmental factors and workplace culture could be more impactful. Dr. Sally drew parallels to physical safety improvements in construction, suggesting similar strategies could be applied to mental health.
Next, Dr. Sally discussed "emotional ergonomics," which she described as a way to design work environments that support emotional well-being. She explained how this approach, similar to physical ergonomics, aims to identify and mitigate psychosocial hazards in the workplace. Dr. Sally stressed the importance of addressing excessive pressure, lack of autonomy and toxic work environments to create a healthier mental landscape for workers.
Finally, Dr. Sally provided some updates on the Construction Working Minds Summit in 2026. Starting next year, the Summit will be known as the Construction Mental Health Summit. She discussed the collaboration efforts between herself and the United Suicide Survivors International to continue improving the summit. Dr. Sally discussed the Summit moving to Portland, Ore., and taking place from February 23 through 26 in 2026.
Listen to the full episode above to hear more about Dr. Sally's insights on mental health in construction.