According to government reports, almost half of all work-related ill health is accounted for by stress, depression and anxiety. The construction sector is one of the largest in the UK economy, employing over 9% of the workforce. Yet, it often overlooks the importance of mental health.
The construction industry is known for its physically demanding nature, exposure to the elements, and tight deadlines, and it’s these factors – alongside the traditionally masculine culture that is prevalent in the construction industry – that can have an impact on employee mental health, an impact that is often left silent and can sometimes go unnoticed.
5 Triggers of Mental Health Challenges in The Construction Industry
As with most things, certain “triggers” cause declining mental health and the challenges that come with it. The construction industry is no different, and to achieve a wider acceptance of mental health in the industry and to stop more construction professionals suffering from mental health issues, we must identify these triggers and come up with solutions to deal with them healthily and positively.
- Workplace Culture: Construction is a predominantly male industry and is often considered a “macho”’ culture. The very nature of this culture can prevent many individuals from sharing their thoughts and feelings through fear of being seen as vulnerable or weak; a culture of silence is established.
- Stress: The nature of construction can often expose employees to tight deadlines, pressure of accuracy, strict attention to detail, physical risk, working to a tight budget, and even more. Coping with stress, or rather, not coping with stress can have a profound impact on the mental health of an individual.
- Physical Health: Physical injury or health conditions that have resulted from the demanding nature of being in construction can also lead to mental health issues. Limitations in mobility and chronic pain, which are common outcomes of working in the industry, can impact employee wellbeing and their way of life, which can have a detrimental effect on their overall happiness.
- Social Issues: Social isolation that leads to feelings of loneliness has been known to be prevalent in the industry, particularly for those working on remote sites or away from home regularly. This can lead to a lack of socialisation opportunities and support networks, and can contribute to several mental health issues.
- Financial Problems: Financial instability is a significant trigger for poor mental health. Fluctuating income and job insecurity are common in construction leading to feelings of stress, anxiety and depression. Construction work is never guaranteed and for some, this can be a worrying factor in their lives.
What Happens When We Ignore Mental Health in the Construction Industry?
Neglecting mental health in construction has serious consequences.
When mental health issues are ignored, it can lead to absenteeism (regularly being absent from work), presenteeism (present at work but not fully functional), and higher turnover rates, all of which can result in significant costs to companies and the industry in general. But, most importantly, is the devastating impact it can have on the lives of individuals.
Stress, anxiety, and depression are all as dangerous to employee safety as any other physical job site threat. Employees experiencing feelings like this can seriously compromise safety. Not only does it lead to increased accidents and injuries, it can also cost lives.
Figures show that more than 500 suicides are recorded in the construction industry each year in the UK, and for a male-dominant industry, that statistic is three times higher than the national male average.
Understanding mental health in construction and any workplace is crucial for fostering a supportive and resilient workforce and, ultimately, saving lives.
Who Does Mental Health Affect?
Mental health issues do not discriminate. 1 in 4 of us experience mental health problems each year in England, which means someone you interact with daily in your workplace is likely to be that one person. In fact, it’s more likely you interact with more than one person struggling with mental health daily. It could even be you.
As employers and colleagues, we have a unique opportunity to turn things around by engaging with and investing in each other’s mental health and wellbeing on an almost daily basis.
Showing care and compassion in the workplace, valuing people not only for the work they do, but as human beings, is paramount in fostering a culture where talking about feelings isn’t so daunting, where having an “off” day is accepted and not judged or frowned upon, and where support is always available in the moments it’s most needed.
Don’t waste your opportunity to be the change.
