Neglecting mental health awareness in construction can lead to anxiety, depression, burnout, substance abuse, and, tragically, suicide. Will Temperley, Fortis Foundations, explores how to recognise signs, provide support, and create a healthier work environment
As the construction industry gears up to face the challenges of a new year, it is imperative to shed light on a crucial aspect often overshadowed by the physical demands of the job – mental health.
Despite the physically demanding nature of the profession, the mental well-being of workers is often overlooked. This can lead to a range of issues that affect both individuals and the industry as a whole.
The nature of the construction industry
The construction industry is renowned for its challenging and demanding nature, which requires workers to possess not only physical strength but also resilience, mental fortitude, and unwavering focus.
Construction workers frequently find themselves dealing with harsh and difficult environments, tight deadlines, and fluctuating workloads, all of which can contribute to a high-stress work environment.
The work hours are often long and irregular, and job insecurity is common due to the temporary nature of construction projects.
This can create a stressful and challenging environment that can have a significant impact on the mental health of workers.
It is, therefore, essential that construction companies prioritise the well-being of their workers and provide them with the support and resources they need to maintain good mental health and cope with the demands of the job.
Ignoring mental health in construction
In the construction industry, it is no secret that workers are exposed to several stressors that can impact their mental health.
However, despite the evident challenges, mental health concerns are often disregarded.
The industry has a predominant culture that promotes a mindset of toughness, where workers are expected to endure both physical and mental strain without showing any vulnerability.
This expectation creates a stigma surrounding mental health in the workplace, contributing to a toxic atmosphere where individuals may feel hesitant to seek help or open up about their struggles.
The toll on individuals
Neglecting mental health within the construction sector can have severe consequences. Workers may experience anxiety, depression and burnout, which can impact their overall wellbeing and job performance.
In worst cases, untreated mental health issues can lead to substance abuse and even suicide.
In 2021, the Office for National Statistics reported that 507 individuals employed in the construction industry in England and Wales died by suicide, resulting in a suicide rate of 34 per 100,000 in employment, a figure potentially influenced by pandemic-induced stresses.
However, the preceding five-year average of 482 underscores that construction workers remain ten times more likely to take their own lives than to die in a workplace accident.
Therefore, it’s crucial to recognise the signs and provide support to create a healthier and more sustainable work environment.
Impact of mental health issues on productivity
The construction industry’s failure to address mental health issues has far-reaching implications for both individuals and productivity.
Mental health challenges can lead to absenteeism, decreased productivity, and an increase in workplace accidents.
Evidence suggests that 12.7% of all sickness absence days in the UK can be attributed to mental health conditions.
Addressing mental health concerns within the industry is not only a moral imperative but also a practical necessity for maintaining a safe and efficient workplace.
Breaking the silence
In order to address the negative attitudes towards mental health in the construction industry, it is important to create an environment that encourages open and honest conversations.
Employers should promote a culture that values the well-being of their workers, highlighting the fact that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Mental health workshops, counselling services, and awareness campaigns can all help to make discussions around mental health more commonplace and accepted.
Implementing support systems
To comprehensively tackle mental health concerns within the workplace, construction companies must conscientiously build robust support structures.
Establishing a strong foundation for employee well-being involves a multifaceted approach, encompassing various initiatives to foster mental health resilience.
Primarily, companies should ensure easy access to comprehensive mental health resources, comprising educational materials, helplines, and professional counselling services.
The implementation of counselling services within the organisation enables employees to seek professional assistance when navigating mental health challenges in or outside of work.
It is also imperative to empower supervisors through targeted training programmes, equipping them with the skills to identify and respond effectively to signs of distress among team members.
This proactive approach not only creates a more compassionate and understanding work environment but also facilitates early intervention, preventing the escalation of mental health issues.
Promoting work-life balance
The construction industry is often fast-paced, which can lead to an imbalance between work and personal life.
It is crucial to encourage a healthier work-life balance to prevent burnout and promote long-term mental well-being.
Measures such as implementing reasonable working hours, offering flexible schedules, and promoting paid time off can contribute to a more sustainable and mentally healthy workplace.
The importance of mental health awareness in construction
The construction industry often values physical strength and resilience, but mental health is often neglected. However, ignoring mental well-being can have serious consequences.
It’s time for the construction sector to address mental health issues by breaking the silence and challenging the stigma.
By prioritising mental health awareness in construction, the industry can create a safer and healthier work environment, leading to sustained productivity and success in the long run.
As an industry with immense power, construction has the potential to not only build structures but also foster a compassionate and supportive workplace culture for all.
By embracing this potential, the industry can create an empathetic and accommodating work environment that promotes the well-being of its workers and drives progress.
Click here for a list of mental health resources.Â
