Executives in the AEC industry are often overwhelmed by long hours, constant pressure, and frequent travel—all major contributors to burnout. Mental health resources for executives like executive coaching, psychotherapy, and mindfulness workshops can help leaders manage stress and lead more effectively. The program that is most effective depends on the mental health condition an executive is struggling with and the personal preferences they have.

Quick look:

• Long hours, high stakes, and constant travel put AEC executives at serious risk for burnout and mental health challenges
• Tailored support like executive coaching, therapy, and mindfulness programs help leaders build resilience and clarity
• Programs that combine mental wellness with leadership development offer proactive solutions for sustained performance
• Prioritizing executive mental health creates stronger leadership, healthier teams, and more successful project outcomes

The hard facts about mental health in executive positions

Being an executive in the construction industry can be as exhausting as it is rewarding. While leadership roles come with great responsibility and opportunities, the toll they take on mental health is just as real.

Longer work hours

Executives in construction are working long hours, often exceeding typical office hours to oversee complex projects and team coordination. A study by the Harvard Business Review shows that CEOs work an average of 62.5 hours per week, nearly 50% more than the typical 40-hour workweek. With project deadlines and client expectations constantly looming, there’s little time left to decompress.

Pressure to perform

The stakes are high in construction, where every decision affects the outcome of multimillion-dollar projects. Executives are under constant pressure from investors, clients, subcontractors, and employees. This constant need to perform can lead to chronic stress and feelings of isolation, making it harder to manage both the business and personal challenges that come with leadership.

Burnout is a growing concern as a direct result of this pressure. A 2023 Deloitte survey found that 70% of executives are considering leaving their roles in search of positions that offer better mental health support. 

Time away from home

Leadership in construction often requires frequent travel to job sites, managing teams across different time zones, and being available at all hours. This means less time for family, rest, and personal relationships. Over time, this disconnect can wear down even the most resilient leaders, impacting their mental and emotional well-being. As a result, many executives in construction find themselves disconnected from their family, which only adds to the strain already put on by the job demands.

How mental health resources can help corporate executives avoid burnout

Burnout occurs over a long period of time as sleepless nights compound and pressures from work mount. The resulting symptoms begin with brain fog, short tempers, and the feeling that you’re just trying to survive another day. This feeling often builds until it’s too late and exhaustion leads to burnout. However, it doesn’t have to be this way.

With the proper mental health resources, corporate executives can regain control over their life. Whether it’s learning how to structure their schedule with boundaries or finding a hobby to decompress, tools are available to manage stress before it turns into something more serious. 

And it works. According to a study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, virtual coaching has shown significant positive impacts on mental health and psychological well-being. The study found that participants experienced notable improvements in areas like stress management, resilience, life satisfaction, emotional regulation, self-awareness, and social connection throughout the coaching program. When support systems are in place, executives lead with confidence and a renewed sense of purpose.

Top mental health resources for corporate executives

When it comes to managing the demands of high-level leadership, not all mental health resources are created equal. The most effective ones are tailored specifically to the unique pressures executives face—like high-stakes decision-making, long hours, and constant accountability. Here are some top options that go beyond the basics.

Executive mental health programs

Several programs designed for construction industry leaders go beyond traditional therapy by incorporating holistic support such as nutritional counseling, fitness coaching, and burnout prevention strategies. These comprehensive approaches recognize that mental health is about fostering resilience across all aspects of an executive’s life.

For instance, Skanska offers mental health first aid training to help leaders recognize stress and burnout signs, equipping them with the tools for better mental health management. This initiative not only focuses on emotional well-being but also includes stress management techniques, fitness, and wellness strategies aimed at preventing burnout in high-pressure roles.

Turner Construction, another leader in the construction sector, has partnered with employee assistance programs (EAPs) that offer executives coaching, counseling, and fitness resources tailored to address work-related mental health challenges. Their EAP program focuses on providing confidential counseling services for stress, decision fatigue, and work-life balance, helping leaders stay resilient in their demanding roles. Additionally, Turner has partnered with Wellness Workdays to improve its wellness initiatives, offering on-site health coaching and preventive screenings. 

If you’re looking for something more hands-on to develop your coaching, the Center for Executive Coaching offers a valuable resource for leaders in construction. This program blends leadership development with emotional intelligence and mindfulness training, equipping executives with proactive strategies to manage stress and improve decision-making. 

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy provides a safe, confidential space for executives to work through their challenges. It offers an opportunity to manage anxiety and the emotional hurdles that come with high-level leadership, helping construction executives gain clarity and emotional balance in the face of intense demands.

A particularly useful form of therapy for executives is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT helps individuals identify and reframe negative thought patterns that contribute to stress and anxiety, giving leaders practical tools to cope with challenging emotions and high-pressure situations. For construction executives, where decision-making and leadership are constantly tested, CBT offers a proactive, hands-on approach to mental health that not only helps manage stress in the moment but also supports long-term resilience.

Both online and in-person therapy options are widely available, providing the flexibility needed for busy executives who may be frequently on job sites or traveling. Online platforms like Talkspace and BetterHelp offer virtual sessions, providing mental health support wherever it’s needed, while in-person therapy provides a more personal touch for those who prefer face-to-face interactions. 

Mindfulness workshops

Mindfulness workshops are gaining traction among construction industry executives as an effective tool to manage stress and enhance performance. By integrating mindfulness techniques into their daily routines, executives can gain better control over their reactions, sharpen decision-making skills, and develop a more balanced approach to leadership. Studies show that regular practice enhances emotional regulation, which is essential for construction leaders who are constantly managing teams, clients, and complex projects. 

Group meditation classes

For construction executives, group meditation classes offer a unique opportunity to manage stress while also fostering a sense of community. These guided sessions provide a structured environment where leaders can practice mindfulness, center their thoughts, release tension, and recharge mentally.

Meditation has been proven to significantly reduce stress, improve concentration, and enhance emotional well-being—key factors for high-pressure leadership roles. A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology examined the effects of a mindfulness meditation app on work stress and well-being. The intervention group, which engaged in daily meditation, reported significant improvements in reductions in distress and job strain. They also reported enhanced perceptions of workplace social support compared to the control group. For construction executives, this can be an invaluable tool for maintaining mental clarity in high stress situations.

What sets group meditation apart from individual practice is the sense of community it cultivates. Sharing experiences and providing mutual support can help alleviate the isolation many leaders feel, especially when they are tasked with managing large teams. 

Why mental health should be a priority for executives

The demanding nature of construction leadership often leads to burnout without proper support. Executives who have access to mental health resources are better equipped to handle the stress of their roles, which leads to clearer thinking, smarter decisions, and more effective leadership, all critical for managing complex construction projects.

Moreover, investing in mental health resources can significantly reduce absenteeism and turnover. Executives who feel supported and empowered to manage their mental health are less likely to take extended sick leave or resign due to stress. Research by Gallup shows that companies prioritizing employee well-being experience lower turnover rates and higher productivity. 

Bottom line

Executive roles in the AEC industry are undeniably demanding with long hours. This makes mental health resources for corporate executives not just a luxury, but a necessity. Leaders who care for their own mental health inspire their teams to do the same, creating a positive ripple effect across the entire organization and leading to better project outcomes and a healthier work environment.

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