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BUSINESS NEWS FEHR GRAHAM RECOGNIZED AGAIN AS ENGINEERING NEWS-RECORD TOP 500 DESIGN FIRM Fehr Graham, a leading Midwest engineering and environmental firm, again secured a spot on the Engineering News-Record Top 500 Design Firms list, ranking No. 474. The firm ranked No. 494 in 2022 and 471 in 2023. This marks the third consecutive year the firm has been featured on the prestigious list, which ranks the largest engineering consulting firms in the United States based on design service revenue for the previous year. Fehr Graham President Mick Gronewold is happy with the firm’s steady recognition. “Every day, our team is committed to solving problems for clients,” Gronewold said. “Being named to the ENR list

again doesn’t just recognize our firm’s capabilities – it celebrates the positive change we make in the communities where we operate and where our employees call home.” Founded on Sept. 15, 1973, in Freeport, Illinois, by Al Fehr and Joe Graham, Fehr Graham has expanded from a single office with five employees to 15 offices across three states with 230 people. This growth includes a recent merger with Midwest Engineering Associates on April 1, and a strategic partnership with Trilon Group announced in May 2023. “This recognition not only reflects Fehr Graham’s growth but the dedication and expertise of our employees who drive our success,” Gronewold said. “Their commitment to clients is all part of how we’re able to serve a larger footprint and bring our small firm feel with big firm

capabilities to new areas. It’s a tribute to Al and Joe’s original vision.” Fehr Graham partners with private and public entities to design and advance projects ranging from water and wastewater treatment plants to roads, bridges and highways. Our team also designs stormwater solutions, sanitary sewer collection systems, water distribution, production and storage facilities, parking lots, residential and commercial developments, parks and much more. Fehr Graham is a premier provider of engineering, environmental and funding solutions for commercial, industrial, institutional and government clients with Midwest office locations in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. Fehr Graham is an Engineering News-Record Top 500 Design Firm and Zweig Group Hot Firm.

management techniques. By investing in the professional development of their leaders, organizations can empower bosses to create positive work environments that promote employee well-being and productivity. The relationship between managers and employees is a critical factor in determining overall workplace satisfaction and mental health. A supportive people leader who prioritizes communication, recognition, and psychological safety can foster a positive work environment where employees feel valued, motivated, and resilient. Conversely, toxic behavior from managers can contribute to stress, anxiety, and burnout among employees, leading to decreased productivity and increased turnover. By recognizing the importance of the leader-employee relationship and investing in leadership development, organizations can create healthier workplaces and promote the well-being of their employees. Tips to have a positive impact on employees’ well-being: ■ Provide comprehensive education for people leaders on how to supervise a diverse group of people focused on inclusive leadership. ■ Embrace the principles of inclusive culture and commit, daily, to creating a space where folks can bring their full selves to work and not be met with resistance. ■ Use “working with me” documents to gather information about how individuals prefer to work. ■ Set up one-on-ones that aren’t strictly focused on business but also cultivate psychological safety so folks feel comfortable to share their experiences. Victoria Verlezza, Ph.D. is employee experience manager at Fuss & O’Neill, Inc. Contact her at vverlezza@fando.com.

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responsibilities when necessary. By fostering a culture of collaboration and flexibility, managers can reduce the risk of burnout and promote healthier work-life integration or balance among their team members. ■ Promoting psychological safety. Psychological safety refers to the belief that one can speak up, take risks, and express opinions without fear of negative consequences. People leaders who prioritize psychological safety create an environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, concerns, and challenges openly. By actively listening to their team members, providing constructive feedback, and addressing conflicts or issues promptly, supervisors can build trust and mutual respect within the team, ultimately fostering better mental health outcomes. ■ Addressing toxic behavior. Unfortunately, not all people leaders prioritize the well-being of their employees, and toxic behavior in the workplace can have severe consequences for mental health. Micromanagement, favoritism, lack of communication, exclusion in the form of microaggressions related to identity, and bullying are just a few examples of behaviors that can erode employee morale and contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression. It is essential for organizations to address toxic behavior promptly through training, support, and, if necessary, disciplinary action to ensure a healthy work environment for all employees. ■ The role of leadership training. Developing effective leadership skills is essential for bosses to support their employees’ mental health effectively. Leadership training programs can help bosses cultivate empathy, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution skills, and stress

THE ZWEIG LETTER MAY 20, 2024, ISSUE 1538

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