Garret Barbush Leads Initiative to Support Employee Well-Being and Build Meaningful Relationships

East Petersburg, Pa. – Warfel Construction, a Pennsylvania-based general contractor, has created a new leadership role aimed at enhancing employee engagement, fostering workplace culture, and providing resources for professional and personal growth.

Earlier this year, the company appointed Garret Barbush as its first-ever Director of People Engagement and Support. With nearly 300 employees, Warfel Construction is emphasizing a holistic approach to workforce well-being, recognizing that employee satisfaction directly impacts productivity and business success.

‍A Unique Leadership Role Focused on People

Barbush, who has a background in leadership development, strategic planning, and employee mentorship, previously served as CEO of Men of Iron, a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit focused on personal and professional mentorship. He later transitioned into financial services before joining Warfel. His diverse career path has prepared him to take on the challenge of shaping Warfel’s employee experience in a meaningful way.

"Anthony has been a driving force behind our company’s success. I am confident he will continue to lead with vision and integrity," said former CEO Rick Mixson, reflecting on Barbush’s role in the firm’s growing focus on culture and engagement.

In his role, Barbush is tasked with creating a mentorship program, conducting one-on-one meetings with employees, and helping integrate personal well-being into workplace success.

Building Stronger Connections

"There are some long-term key initiatives, one of them being the development of a mentorship program here at Warfel, which they’ve been working on," Barbush said. "We all feel like there’s a lot of room for improvement on how to do that."

Much of his time is currently spent meeting one-on-one with employees in informal settings outside the office.

"I try to do that offsite, get them out of the office, just grab coffee and sit down and say, ‘Hey, tell me about your role here at Warfel. Tell me about your background. Tell me about your family. Tell me about your marriage. What are some things you’re struggling with?’"

Barbush believes that understanding employees beyond their job roles fosters a deeper level of trust and investment in the company.

Balancing Professional and Personal Support

While workplace culture often focuses solely on professional development, Warfel Construction acknowledges the importance of total human health. Barbush is implementing initiatives that address financial wellness, mental health, and physical well-being.

"The suicide rate in construction is high. The mental health crisis is a real thing. We’re focused on total human health. Trying to help our people understand that there’s more to their life than this company, than just bricks and sticks."

The company has taken practical steps to support its workforce:
✅ Financial literacy workshops – Employees receive quarterly financial education from Warfel’s 401(k) service provider, covering topics like college savings and retirement planning.
✅ Physical therapy access – A licensed physical therapist visits quarterly to help field workers prevent injuries and maintain physical well-being.
✅ Professional development support – The mentorship program will provide employees with career growth opportunities while also ensuring their personal needs are addressed.

Barbush emphasizes that participation in these initiatives is completely optional.

"Yeah, I mean, obviously we’re not forcing it on anybody, right? It’s more, ‘Hey, I’m here if you need me.’"

Creating a Supportive Work Environment

By fostering a relationship-driven culture, Warfel Construction hopes to build an environment of trust and engagement.

"I think you just build a better culture. You build better people, you build better trust."

With Barbush at the helm of people engagement and support, Warfel Construction is taking proactive steps to ensure employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow—both professionally and personally.

As the construction industry continues to evolve, Warfel’s unique approach could set a new standard for workplace culture, employee retention, and holistic well-being in the field.

Originally reported by Zachary Phillips in Construction Dive.