University of Cambridge researchers found that 70% of site workers and 85% of office workers in construction described their jobs as moderately stressful, very stressful, or extremely stressful
Published in the Healthcare journal, the study surveyed 40 construction professionals from 12 different employers across four building sites and found that all job roles reported a high level of stress– with office jobs taking the lead.
Of the 40 people surveyed, 33 were male and 7 female; 19 were speciality subcontractors, 16 were general contractors and 5 were consultants.
Roles ranged from site management to mechanical, electrical and plumbing subcontractors.
Major sources of stress were identified as:
- High workloads
- Tight deadlines
- Situations being out of one’s control
- Being responsible for the safety of others
- Job complexity and organisational pressures
Ways of coping with workplace stress reported in the study included relying on support networks, hobbies outside of the workplace and boundary-setting.
The importance of coping mechanisms was echoed by Olivia Remes, co-author of the study and a mental health researcher at the Cambridge Laing O’Rourke Centre at the Department of Engineering: “Opening up to family, friends, or colleagues about workplace stress can be helpful. Having a robust support network acts as a buffer against stress and is beneficial for mental health.”
“Blocking it out” is not a viable long term solution
Dr Remes went on to say: “Blocking out or bottling up stressful problems may lead to feelings of helplessness and other negative consequences. Instead, connecting with supportive others during stressful times can be more effective. In fact, self-disclosure and sharing your thoughts with a close family member, friend or colleague has been linked to greater resilience.”
Co-author Rachel Blair Winkler recommended tailored support programmes.
“It’s essential to consider various professional responsibilities, environmental conditions, and organisational cultures when developing wellbeing initiatives,” she said. “This will be one of the next steps in the research.”
