Building more than Structures: Addressing Mental Health in UK Construction
According to Glenigan’s Economic Director Allan Wilen, “The (UK) construction sector is on track for growth from 2025, fuelled by a combination of improved consumer confidence, increased household spending, and strategic fiscal changes announced in the recent Budget”. To fulfil these projections, the workforce needs to be in the best possible health.
According to the results of a recent survey published by Mates In Mind in 2022, the UK construction industry, a sector vital to our economy, is facing a silent crisis: a mental health epidemic. While we rightly prioritise physical safety on construction sites, the mental well-being of those who build our homes, roads, and infrastructure can be overlooked.
The Stark Reality:
The statistics are alarming. In 2020, a CIOB report found that 97% of construction workers had felt stressed, 87% had experienced anxiety and 70% had experienced depression over the past year. If that isn’t shocking enough, according to the Office for National Statistics, in 2020 workers in construction were at some of the highest risk of suicide in the country, at 3.7 times higher than the national average. When you consider the pressures on the industry and therefore on their workers, the strain on mental health seems obvious. Factors contributing include:
High-Stress Environments: Tight deadlines, demanding physical labour, and project uncertainties.
Long Hours and Job Insecurity: The transient nature of construction work and the prevalence of long, often unpredictable hours contribute to anxiety and stress.
"Tough Guy" Culture: A traditional, male-dominated environment can discourage open conversations about emotions and mental health, leading to stigma and isolation.
Physical Strain: The physically demanding nature of the work can lead to chronic pain and injuries, which can further impact mental well-being.
Isolation: workers who are working on remote sites, can become very isolated.
These factors combine to create a perfect storm, where mental health issues can fester and escalate, tragically leading to higher rates of suicide within the industry.
The Impact on Businesses:
Ignoring mental health isn't just a human tragedy; it's bad for business. Poor mental health leads to:
Increased Absenteeism: Stress and mental health issues result in more sick days and reduced productivity.
Decreased Productivity: Employees struggling with mental health challenges are less focused and efficient.
Higher Turnover: A toxic work environment contributes to employee dissatisfaction and increased staff turnover.
Increased Accidents: Mental health issues can impair concentration and judgment, raising the risk of workplace accidents.
What Can Be Done?
The good news is that change is possible. What’s needed is a multi-faceted approach involving:
Breaking the Stigma: Openly discussing mental health and creating a culture where it's okay to ask for help.
Providing Training and Education: Equipping managers and employees with the knowledge to recognize and address mental health issues.
Promoting Work-Life Balance: Encouraging reasonable working hours and flexible work arrangements where possible.
Creating Supportive Environments: Fostering peer support networks and providing access to mental health resources.
Raising awareness: Supporting charities and groups that are working to improve mental health in the industry.
Leadership from the top: Company leaders must prioritize mental health, setting an example for the workforce.
Looking Ahead:
The UK construction industry is built on the strength and resilience of its workforce. Perhaps it's time to recognise that mental strength is just as important as physical strength. By prioritising mental health, we can build not just stronger structures, but a stronger, healthier industry for all.
It is very important that anyone who is struggling, reaches out and gets help. There are many organisations that can help.
The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity: Provides emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing support to construction workers and their families.
Mates in Mind: A charity that aims to improve mental health in the construction industry.
Samaritans: Offer confidential support to anyone in distress.
If you would like to start a conversation about the challenges you face and what I can do to help support your leadership team or your workers enquire below.