A brief question at the gate, “How are you doing today?” became a deliberate part of Shay Parker’s safety routines at a project site in Orange, Texas, as leaders work to normalize conversations about mental health.
Parker, a Craft Voice in Safety (CVIS) lead known simply as “Miss Shay,” spent years greeting every crew member by name. She handed out candy and stickers, while keeping Under the Hat pocket cards and resource flyers within reach. More than anything, she wanted each interaction to carry a clear message: We’re here for you. We are family.
“It has to feel normal,” Parker said. “If we only talk about it once a year, people tune it out. If we talk about it like it is part of safety, it becomes part of how we work.”
Now at a project in New Mexico, Parker continues that same approach, bringing gate greetings with her and keeping mental wellbeing visible, consistent and part of the daily routine.
Stronger connections lead to safer crews
For her, the message is personal. Years ago, she was the spouse at home while her husband worked away, balancing parenting, work and the quiet weight of responsibility.
“I didn’t always realize the pressure he was under at work,” she said. “Now I see both sides.”
That perspective fuels her passion for making Under the Hat visible and approachable.
Instead of waiting for a crisis, leaders on jobsites across the company are challenged to weave well-being into the culture with themed weeks; quick reset prompts and light activities that spark conversation.
Supervisors are also encouraged to learn the signs of stress and follow up when something feels off.
“If someone normally walks in at 6:30 and now they’re showing up late or quiet, we check in,” Parker said. “Not to push. Just simple, are you ok, can go a long way.”
During family month in August, she set up a miniature dollhouse at the gate. Inside it was tiny work trucks, school desks, parents and kids juggling life’s demands. A hard hat rested over the display, a metaphor for the invisible weight craft carry to work.
In September for Suicide Prevention Month, the team wore purple and created a life size version of the monthly well-being toolbox talk.
During World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10, the gate greet included dancing, music and chocolate kisses. The message they were sending was: “The world is a better place with you in it”.
Looking for more? Read how Parker and others are improving well-being on the jobsite in the Kieways article, The New Standard in Safety.