MENTAL HEALTH - 04.07.2022

Mental health crisis in construction?

Mental health is a workplace challenge that is increasing, particularly in the construction industry. Why is this and what can you do to support your workers and avert problems in your business?

Mental health situation in construction

Mental health challenges have only recently been acknowledged in the construction industry. Suicide rates are more than three times higher than the national average. Stress, anxiety and depression account for one-fifth of work-related illnesses, resulting in 70 million days off sick per year. This is at an estimated annual cost of £70bn-£100bn. And a recent report found that 56% of construction companies don’t have mental health policies in place.

Why the construction industry?

Intense workloads, financial problems, poor work-life balance and pressures on the supply chain are combining to raise stress and anxiety levels. There’s a lot of financial pressure on the sector and no avoiding the talk of a possible recession.

How do these issues manifest?

Men predominantly exhibit external symptoms such as aggression and violent outbursts, substance abuse and antisocial behaviour. But they are less likely to show any visible behaviour changes due to the stigma surrounding mental health. Indeed in some cases there may be no signs at all that they’re struggling. Instead they firmly internalise any symptoms or use other coping mechanisms such as alcohol or non-prescription drugs.

What stops men from getting support?

Men find it hard talking about mental health as there is still a stigma attached, e.g. the fear of being perceived as weak or admitting they’re struggling. There is a tendency not to verbalise their worries to a line manager as they’re concerned it may have an impact on their career.

Improve your workforce’s mental health

The first step is for leaders to recognise there are issues and that they’re part of the solution. By creating opportunities for people to discuss mental health you will create a culture of support to prevent anyone from reaching a crisis point.

Tip. Ensure you have a mental health policy in place and train this out to your staff. Use our stress and mental wellbeing policy to begin the process (see The next step ).

Tip. There are good websites to support leaders, including resources, training and assessments (see The next step ).

Other controls

You could run a number of in-house campaigns promoting the support available. Normalise conversations about mental health by continually featuring it on the agenda.

Consider investing in an employee assistance programme that’s accessible to all workers. If you already have one it may be that it needs better promotion. It can be hard to take that first step. Quite often a tatty poster on the back of a door is not enough to encourage staff to call the helpline number.

Tip. There are some mental health first aid courses available although they come at a cost. But having specially trained members of staff is a strong signal that you are dealing with the problem.

For our stress and mental wellbeing policy and for links to websites, visit https://www.tips-and-advice.co.uk , Download Zone, year 20, issue 21.

Mental health is a problem in the male-dominated construction industry due to work pressures and fear of appearing weak to co-workers. Implement a policy and be open about mental wellness to encourage staff to seek help before the problem escalates.

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