Despite public and workplace attitudes towards mental health improving in recent years, there is still a long way to go for male-dominated industries such as construction
In England, mental health issues such as depression and anxiety affects one in six people per week- but certain companies within the construction sector are taking steps to change this.
Bagnalls, leading commercial painting and decorating specialist, has embraced mental health support across the business, including appointing mental health first aiders in every site. This will encourage workers to have open conversations surrounding mental health and wellbeing.
Key findings:
- In the UK, two construction workers commit suicide every day, amounting to 700 people every year.
- Over two-thirds of construction workers do not discuss their mental health complications with co-workers due to stigma, according to Mates in Mind.
- Research from the Faculty of Public Health revealed that low household income, financial difficulties and job insecurity increases the risk of mental health issues.
- Stress affects 97% of construction workers at some point in their professional lives, according to a survey from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
Why does the construction sector need to act now?
COVID-19 affected countless people in multiple sectors throughout the UK. Research from mental health organisation MIND revealed that those who previously struggled with their mental wellbeing were more likely to suffer from the effects of the pandemic.
The construction sector suffered greatly. In 2022, an increasing number of workers reported suffering with poor mental health. So much so, that 86% experienced anxiety, 70% experienced depression and 97% experienced stress, according to a survey by CIOB.
The possibility of another lockdown is slim, although other socio-economic issues are likely to have a similar effect on workers, such as the burgeoning cost-of-living crisis. The Faculty of Public Health reports that economic crises (low household income, financial difficulties and job insecurity) contribute to poor mental health.
The cost-of-living crisis is also damaging to employers. The looming recession and increasing cost of materials may lead to delays, reduced working hours and a surge of mental health worries. So, it is important that the construction sector acts now by adopting stringent wellbeing practices in the workplace.
Why does the construction industry need to focus on mental health?
Men account for 89% of the construction industry in the UK, and masculine ideals displayed throughout the male-dominated industry often prevent workers from discussing their mental health issues. In fact, according to research by Mind in Mates, more than two-thirds of employees within construction do not discuss these issues due to widespread stigma.
Moreover, men working in construction are three times more likely to commit suicide than women, with two male construction workers doing so daily. Therefore, it is hugely important for the sector to adopt sophisticated mental health policies, encourage people to speak about their own experiences and break down gendered barriers to mental wellbeing.
How can the construction industry support its employees?
First and foremost, the construction industry can support its employees by using existing support systems. The Digital College, for example, provides training and valuable mental health first aid resources to multiple industries in the hopes of combatting stigma.
The course teaches employees how to listen, reassure and respond to people in a mental health crisis. This is particularly important in construction as male employees have reported feeling unable to communicate in such a way with their colleagues.
In addition to this, online resources are easily accessible and can be just as effective. MIND’s Wellness Action Plan is designed to help individuals with their own mental health issues. Not only is it free, but there are options available for remote and hybrid working, too.
Moreover, businesses within the construction sector can do more to encourage a culture of acceptance and transparency. Bagnalls is leading the way with its Employee Assistance Programme, where workers can access help every day of the week. By appointing Mental Health First Aiders and partnering with Andy’s Man Club, this company is working towards building a culture of acceptance.
What does the construction sector have to gain?
The construction sector has everything to gain from encouraging mental wellbeing in the workplace. Mental health problems, from depression to anxiety, account for one-fifth of all illnesses at work and lead to 70 million sick days a year. This costs the industry £70-100 billion!
Furthermore, mental wellbeing in the workplace has been shown to increase productivity by 12%. So, if the sector encourages open conversations around mental health, these absences are more likely to decrease, boosting workplace productivity.
Joanne Gualda, marketing director at Bagnalls, comments: “Providing proper mental health support should be a requirement for businesses in any sector, but companies working in construction have a particular responsibility. By partnering with Andy’s Man Club and training our staff members to become Mental Health First Aiders, we hope to raise awareness and reduce the high suicide rate amongst people working in the construction industry.”
