Build & Thrive
Build & Thrive is the podcast transforming occupational health and wellbeing in the construction industry. Hosted by Jennie Armstrong, founder of Construction Health & Wellbeing, each episode features inspiring conversations with experts and change-makers dedicated to creating a healthier, happier workforce.
Hear interviews with inspirational individuals and experts who are leading the way in tackling the industry’s toughest challenges, from staggering health statistics to skills shortages and talent retention. Did you know construction workers are nearly 4 times more likely to take their own lives through suicide than workers in other industries? Or that they’re 100 times more likely to die from work-related health issues than safety incidents?
It’s clear we need to do more. Built to Thrive is here to spark change, celebrate innovation, and inspire action for a brighter future in construction.
Join us for real stories, practical advice, and the latest in health and wellbeing strategies for the construction sector. Subscribe now on your favourite podcast platform, and follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube to stay updated. Together, we can make construction a place where everyone can thrive.
Build & Thrive
Fairness Isn’t a ‘Nice to Have’: What Really Drives Wellbeing and Productivity on Site
In this episode of Build & Thrive, host Jennie Armstrong is joined by Stuart Wallis, Associate Director at Mace, for an open and deeply honest conversation about fairness, culture and wellbeing in the construction industry.
Drawing on decades of experience across unions, contractors and major infrastructure projects, Stuart shares a frontline perspective on what genuinely shapes people’s health, dignity and psychological safety at work and why good intentions alone are not enough.
From welfare standards and trust on site to leadership accountability and the realities of mental health in a transient workforce, this episode moves beyond surface-level awareness and into the practical decisions that make or break people’s experience of construction.
What we cover:
- Why fairness and dignity on site are fundamental to wellbeing, not “nice to have” extras
- The gap between leadership intent and lived experience for the workforce
- Psychological safety, speaking up and the fear of job loss
- Mental health, neurodiversity and the pressures placed on individuals at every level
- Why awareness campaigns are not the same as prevention
- The role of clients, contractors and supply chains in shaping healthier outcomes
Throughout the conversation, Stuart reflects candidly on his own journey, including living with anxiety, depression and neurodiversity, and why vulnerability, trust and respect are essential if the industry is serious about change.
This episode is essential listening for construction leaders, health and safety professionals, HR and IR teams, and anyone involved in shaping workplace culture across projects.
🎧 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2431164 (or search your podcast app)
📺 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEoibJLDuFnnT3qSQw37LKPG6xlyvCj7B
🔹 Thank you to our sponsor, GKR Scaffolding, for supporting this series and helping us share our mission of improving health and wellbeing in construction.
Episode Links:
Jennie Armstrong: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniearmstrong/
Construction Health & Wellbeing: https://constructionhealth.co.uk/
Mace:
- Website: https://www.macegroup.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mace-group/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MaceGroup
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/macegroup
- X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MaceGroup
Stuart Wallis:
GKR Scaffolding (sponsor): https://gkrscaffolding.co.uk/
Are you investing in a healthier and happier workforce? Want a free 30 minute strategy call to ensure you're on the right path.
Email: support@constructionhealth.co.uk