Building success through employee care

Garver’s growth over the past decade is one of remarkable transformation. Since 2019, the company has expanded from 650 employees to more than 1,500, effectively navigating challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and a rapidly shifting workforce. 

At the heart of our growth and stability is a focus on employee wellness, an investment that has paid dividends. By prioritizing employee care, Garver has fostered an environment where team members are fueled by innovation, collaboration and business success. Our talented workforce thrives, constantly propelling the company forward.

Garver’s commitment to wellness began in the early 2000s when the company became self-insured. This strategic decision allowed us to see how employee health impacts both personal lives and the company’s bottom line. That insight led to a comprehensive and adaptable wellness program that meets employees where they are, from taking their first steps toward healthy habits to managing more complex medical needs.

But our wellness program goes beyond physical health, addressing behavioral and mental health, financial well-being and community. After the pandemic, when multiple health organizations reported a rise in behavioral health claims, we responded by launching campaigns to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around mental health. We encouraged leadership to speak openly about mental health challenges and introduced new resources to support employees and their families, including counseling services and wellness workshops. By making these resources accessible and relevant to individual needs, Garver has empowered employees to take control of their well-being, contributing to a more engaged and productive workforce.

Our wellness program has been a key differentiator in our ability to attract and retain top talent. Our wellness focus sets us apart, helping us not only recruit but also retain employees who are committed to both their health and the organization’s success. By providing a suite of wellness resources, we meet the diverse needs of our employees, ensuring they feel supported at every stage of their careers.

Whether helping experienced engineers navigate family life or giving new hires the tools to establish healthy habits, our focus is on providing resources tailored to our employees’ needs. Our wellness program is an ongoing conversation, allowing us to adapt alongside the needs of our team. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to nurturing a culture of wellness where employees feel empowered to reach their full potential.

Earlier this year, we shared these experiences at Arkansas State University’s Catalyst: Economic Development and Leadership Forum. The event brought together industry leaders to discuss wellness, mental health and workforce development. Other panelists included Mark Foster, chair of graduate nursing programs at A-State’s College of Nursing and Health Professions; Phillip Poston, chief development officer at Hytrol Conveyor Co.; Patrick Schueck, CEO of Lexicon Inc.; and Jim Washam, dean of the Neil Griffin College of Business at A-State. 

These conversations reinforced the role of collaboration in creating meaningful change, and they highlighted the direct link between organizational success and the well-being of employees.

Strengthening pipelines to STEM graduates, fostering conversations about workforce needs and collaborating with other companies who are invested in Arkansas’ success are all part of Garver’s mission to build not just infrastructure but a legacy of care, innovation and shared growth. Together, we’re shaping the future of wellness and leadership — one employee, and one partnership, at a time.

We believe investing in wellness isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s a strategic business decision. By taking care of our people, we’ve created a thriving, innovative and resilient organization well-positioned to tackle future challenges. As we look ahead, our focus will remain on providing the tools, resources and support our employees need to succeed, both in the workplace and in life. 

Editor’s note: Laura Nick is the chief communications officer for Garver, a national engineering firm based in Arkansas with more than 60 offices across 20 states. The opinions expressed are those of the author.