The construction industry has made great strides in ensuring workers' physical safety in the U.K. However, conversation around mental health is still seen as taboo. Learn more about how to tackle mental health issues in construction to start fostering a stronger culture of support.
Sizing Up the Mental Health Crisis in Construction
The Chartered Institute of Building estimates that around 94% of construction workers experienced stress in the past year. Many industry-specific factors contributed to that, such as long workdays, job insecurity, tight margins and time spent away from families. This mental health crisis affects more than just the workers. Poor worker mental health results in lost workdays and reduced productivity.
The tough guy image, where you just get on with things and avoid talking about problems, is prevalent in the construction industry. This leads to unhealthy coping mechanisms. For example, 12% of construction workers suffer from alcohol abuse disorder, and 11.6% use illegal drugs. Individuals might be reluctant to share issues with management, as workers with short-term contracts might be seen as unfit for work.
This issue is even more pronounced for women working in the industry. Highlighting their hard work and resilience, such as by providing benefits and celebrating Women in Construction Week, is crucial in creating a safe and supportive environment. Erika, a survey coordinator at Morgan Corp., shares, “I would tell other women who want to work in construction to always advocate for yourself and stay resilient. It’s important to speak up for yourself and make sure you are heard in this industry. Your opinion and contributions are important!”
Actionable Strategies to Build a Mentally Healthy Workplace
Industry change is essential to creating a healthy workforce. Here are some actionable strategies to prevent such situations and promote mental health for workers:
1. Visible, Top-Down Commitment
Change must come from the top. Companies should enact policies and regulations that protect workers’ best interests. This supports a workforce that is mentally well and more glad to be there. Visible commitment encourages them to take the first steps in caring for their own mental health. Moreover, successfully integrating this strategy can motivate other industry leaders to follow suit with worker-first policies and practices.
2. Empower On-Site Leaders with Mental Health First Aid
It’s important that workers feel that they can come to their on-site leaders and receive appropriate support for their concerns and mental health. Emphasize to reluctant on-site leaders that this doesn’t mean they’ll act as a therapist. Knowing mental health first aid is being a listening ear without judgment, acknowledging issues and coordinating individuals with professional help. It will also help if leaders can spot early signs of burnout, such as behavioral changes, irritability and poor timekeeping.
3. Leveraging Toolbox Talks and Digital Tools
There are many tools that construction industry professionals can use to promote mental health and wellness in the workplace. Senior managers or human resources can start regularly checking up about how workers are feeling or discuss topics such as how to manage stress, ask for help and more. Mental health apps and online resources can help explain these concepts better to workers.
Constructing a Healthier, Stronger Future
While there is a real mental health crisis in construction, change will begin by implementing policies that protect workers’ mental health and creating a supportive and encouraging work environment. Everyone in the industry — from CEOs and upper management to project coordinators and operators — can contribute to making construction a safer and healthier industry.
Image © London Construction Magazine Limited
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Contributor Insight & Authorship: Evelyn Long
Editor-in-Chief at Renovated | Construction, Sustainability & Digital Built Environment Writer |
