‘Strong as Steel’: Lexicon Renews Commitment to Mental Health Support

For the third consecutive year, Arkansas-based Lexicon Inc. is recognizing National Wellness Month with its “Strong as Steel: Building Mental Might” campaign, a monthlong initiative focused on supporting employee mental health and encouraging conversations about emotional well-being.

The campaign, which launched in August 2024, is designed to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, connect employees with available resources and reinforce that asking for help is a sign of strength.

Lexicon said the initiative reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to employee wellness in an industry where mental health challenges remain a significant concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four construction workers report mental health concerns, and the suicide rate among men and women in the construction industry is significantly higher than the national average.

“There’s nothing more important in our industry than taking care of each other. We can no longer ‘tough it out’ when we are struggling,” said Lexicon CEO Patrick Schueck. “Every person carries challenges that can be hard to shoulder, whether they’re related to work, family, finances or something else. Our people are what make this company great, and Strong as Steel is about reminding them that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. No one should have to face their challenges alone, and this campaign lets them know we’re providing those needed answers and resources when they do ask.”

This year’s campaign highlights the real-life experiences of Lexicon employees through videos, employee stories and educational materials aimed at normalizing discussions about mental health. Employees will also receive mental health toolkits that include informational brochures, a letter from Schueck, stress-relief items and additional resources.

The initiative also reinforces Lexicon’s ongoing mental health support infrastructure, which includes:

An On-Site Health Clinic: Located at Lexicon’s Little Rock headquarters, the clinic provides in-person mental health support and connects employees to additional resources.
Telehealth Services: Available to employees across the state and nation, Lexicon’s telehealth services ensure that all team members have access to the care they need, regardless of location.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Lexicon’s EAP offers employees free access to a range of services, including financial, marriage and family counseling.
Expanded Leave Options: Tailored leave policies create multiple avenues for employees to take the time they need to get well.

“Many of the struggles people carry aren’t immediately visible, but that doesn’t make them any less real,” said Lexicon Chief Human Resources Officer Janell Schmidt. “Strong as Steel is about creating a culture where employees know it’s okay to speak up, ask for help and support one another. We want every member of our team to know these resources are here whenever they’re needed, not just during National Wellness Month, but every day of the year.”

The initiative has also earned national recognition. Last year, Lexicon received an honorable mention in Ragan Communications’ Workplace Wellness Awards in the Mental Health Workplace category, highlighting the company’s ongoing efforts to make mental health resources more accessible and foster a culture of support for employees year-round.

To watch a video about this year’s program, click here.