Supporting Mental Health at PJ Hegarty

At PJ Hegarty, we believe that looking after mental wellbeing is just as important as looking after physical health. We all come to work with our own experiences and challenges.

That’s why we have trained Mental Health First Aiders to make sure support is available and at the heart of our culture. Their role is to provide a confidential, approachable point of contact for anyone who may be struggling, feeling overwhelmed, or simply in need of a conversation.

They are trained to listen, offer guidance, and help you find the right support whenever you need it. 

Hear from our Mental Health First Aiders about what the role means to them and why mental health support in the workplace matters.

The people who make PJ Hegarty: Maryam Crossan, building more than projects

Maryam has felt supported in her time with PJ Hegarty, both personally and professionally. Through the projects she’s worked on, how she’s developed her skills and built confidence.

She loves the tangible nature of construction, seeing her hard work take shape, and the sense of accomplishment she has when showing her family and children the projects she’s been part of.

At PJ Hegarty, people are at the heart of everything we do, and Maryam’s journey reflects that.

The people who make PJ Hegarty: Ronan O’Toole, finding opportunity in every step

Ronan began his journey with PJ Hegarty during his college placement, discovering a workplace where everyone, from graduate to director, is approachable and genuinely supportive.

After graduation, he spent a year living in Australia, embracing the challenge of moving abroad and gaining experiences that broadened his outlook. When he decided it was time to come home, the decision to return felt easy, with family close by, and his career had a clear path ahead with the opportunity to return to PJ Hegarty.

The people who make PJ Hegarty: Alyson McKeogh, finding her path in engineering

Alyson first joined PJ Hegarty as a college student on placement, discovering an environment where development is encouraged, and support is part of everyday life. After graduating, she returned without hesitation, ready to take on the challenges of engineering.

Today, she brings fresh thinking, problem-solving energy, and the confidence that comes from feeling she belongs. For her, working as a young woman in construction is empowering, a clear reminder that what counts is the quality of your work and the opportunities you take.

The people who make PJ Hegarty: Jan Glynn, shaping a people-first workplace

Head of HR Jan Glynn reflects on the importance of creating a workplace where people can bring their most authentic selves to work, feel supported, and continue to grow. For her, an environment built on trust and respect is central to building a thriving workforce.

Jan speaks openly about PJ Hegarty’s ongoing DEI journey, noting that it involves continuous learning, listening, and a willingness to challenge old assumptions. Her own development has shaped how she leads this work, reinforcing the belief that inclusion is never a finished task but a commitment every day.

She emphasises that PJ Hegarty goal is simple: to build a workplace where everyone feels valued and able to contribute fully.

The people who make PJ Hegarty: John Gavigan, from Graduate to Director

John Gavigan reflects on a career that has taken him from graduate engineer to director, a journey he never expected when he first joined PJ Hegarty nearly thirty years ago. Over that time, he has contributed to shaping Ireland’s skyline.

Throughout his career, he has been committed to guiding the next generation. He has helped younger engineers find their footing, offering insight drawn from decades of experience.

John’s story highlights what can happen when ambition and development are supported. It emphasises the culture at PJ Hegarty, a place where people are encouraged to grow, pursue opportunities, and build meaningful careers.

World Menopause Day: Understanding the impact

On Friday, October 17th, we were joined by Loretta Dignam, Founder & CEO of The Menopause Hub and a Forbes 50 Over 50 Global leader, for an insightful webinar.

Loretta broke down why menopause matters, what it really is, and how its symptoms can impact both personal and professional life. She shared practical management and treatment options, highlighting the crucial role workplaces play in supporting individuals going through menopause.

At PJ Hegarty, we value all our employees and place our core values, Safety, Sustainability, Inclusivity, Relationships, and Forward Thinking, at the heart of everything we do. This webinar reflects these values, reinforcing the importance of menopause awareness for health, safety, and performance. It also provided clear, practical steps to help us create a more inclusive and supportive workplace for everyone.

Thank you to Loretta for leading such a meaningful conversation, and to our Employee Resource Group, Empowering Women in Construction, for supporting and leading this initiative.

Birmingham Children’s Hospital Dragon Boat Race

What an incredible day at the Dragon Boat Race in support of Birmingham Children’s Hospital! Our team, the Blazing Paddles, gave it their all, and we are thrilled to announce that we won both Race Day and 2025 Overall Winner, with the highest combined score in fundraising and position in the competition.

We are delighted to have taken part, enjoyed the race as a team, and contributed to the massive total of £291,551 raised this year for such a worthwhile cause.

Thank you to everyone who supported us; every cheer motivated us to keep rowing!

PJ Hegarty Birmingham Children’s Hospital Visit

Members of the PJ Hegarty UK team, Kieran Ryan, Jennifer Horgan, James Vincent, and Maryam Crossan, recently visited Birmingham Children’s Hospital to witness the impact of their fundraising efforts ahead of the upcoming Dragon Boat Race next month. The funds raised will support various initiatives, including life-changing equipment, medication, and emergency care packs for families in crisis. Every pound donated will make a meaningful difference.

Best of luck to the seventeen team members participating in the Dragon Boat Race!

Celebrating Differences in World Autism Acceptance Month

To mark world autism month, we hosted a webinar with by Adam Harris, founder and CEO of AsIAm, Ireland’s Autism Charity. Adam founded AsIAm based on his own experiences growing up as an Autistic person in Ireland.

The session was packed with valuable insights, covering:

  • Tips to build a more inclusive work environment.
  • Personal insights from Adam’s journey as an autistic person in Ireland, and how those experiences have informed his work.
  • How workplaces can move beyond awareness to meaningful inclusion and acceptance.

At PJ Hegarty, we’re proud to be a workplace where people are valued and supported. As holders of the Investors in Diversity Gold accreditation, this webinar is one of many steps we’re taking to champion diversity and inclusion across our organisation.