What's Happening?
Faith Technologies Incorporated (FTI) has significantly improved its ranking on the Healthiest Employers' 'Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America' list, moving from No. 61 in 2025 to No. 14 this year. This marks the 11th consecutive year FTI has been recognized.
According to Alyssa Kwasny, Wellness Program Director at FTI, this rise reflects the company's continuous investment in fostering an environment where employees and their families can thrive. FTI's 'Culture of Care' guides its comprehensive wellness programs, which address physical, mental, emotional, financial, and social well-being. The company actively seeks employee feedback through annual surveys and one-on-one conversations to evolve its programs. A major focus has been on mental health, particularly in the manufacturing and construction industries, which have high rates of mental health concerns and suicide. FTI encourages storytelling among employees and produces 'Mental Health Moments' videos to destigmatize mental health discussions and provide peer support.
Why It's Important?
FTI's proactive approach to employee well-being, especially mental health, sets a precedent for U.S. industries, particularly those with demanding and male-dominated workforces like construction. By integrating mental health into overall safety protocols and offering extensive support, FTI demonstrates how companies can mitigate the significant costs associated with poor mental health, such as absenteeism and presenteeism. The company's provision of 16 free coaching or therapy sessions, no-cost mental health visits, and access to the Headspace app directly addresses barriers to care. The 'Time to Recharge' benefit, offering two hours of paid time off monthly for self-care, underscores a commitment to employee recovery and work-life balance, which can lead to higher retention and productivity. This model highlights the business case for investing in holistic employee wellness, showing that a supportive culture can lead to improved national rankings and a more engaged workforce.
What's Next?
FTI plans to continue evolving its wellness programs based on data and employee feedback. For 2026, the company has rolled out new programs like Hinge Health for virtual physical therapy to combat chronic pain and Virta Health for weight management and diabetes reversal, addressing specific health issues prevalent in the construction industry. The ongoing commitment to destigmatizing mental health through leader training and consistent communication, such as integrating mental health topics into weekly Safety Bulletins, suggests a sustained effort to embed wellness into the company's core culture. FTI's participation in industry conferences focused on mental health in construction indicates a dedication to staying innovative and improving its practices, potentially influencing broader industry standards for employee well-being.
Beyond the Headlines
The success of FTI's wellness initiatives, particularly in a sector historically challenged by mental health stigma, points to a broader cultural shift in corporate responsibility. By emphasizing that 'mental health is safety,' FTI challenges traditional notions of workplace safety that often focus solely on physical hazards. The company's use of employee storytelling and peer-to-peer support mechanisms fosters a sense of community and psychological safety, which is crucial for encouraging help-seeking behaviors. This approach moves beyond mere compliance with wellness mandates, aiming to create an environment where employees feel genuinely valued and supported. The comprehensive nature of FTI's benefits, including financial support through a Lifestyle Spending Account, acknowledges the interconnectedness of various aspects of an employee's well-being, suggesting a more holistic and empathetic model for corporate care.
