The importance of supporting the mental wellbeing of construction workers

Posted 3 years ago

Working in the construction sector comes with a number of challenges. From tight deadlines to the physical demands of the work itself, there are numerous factors that make working in this sector particularly challenging.

When you pair the existing challenges with new issues that seem to be arising, like an increased demand for work and an unstable economy, it’s no wonder that workers in the construction sector are experiencing a stress epidemic, which is impacting their mental wellbeing.

Construction is known for its “macho culture”, which means, as a predominantly male industry, construction workers can feel pressured to ‘suck it up’ and get on with things, even if they are really struggling mentally or emotionally.

So, what can business owners and leaders do to make a positive change within the industry?

What causes mental health problems in the construction sector?

There are a few common things that can have a negative impact on an employee’s day-to-day mental health, and over time, they can take their toll.

First of all, genetics can play a part, and so can chemical imbalances in the brain; and sometimes, there’s no obvious cause. External factors also trigger mental health problems.

For example, experiencing things such as:

Grief or loss
Loneliness
Relationship troubles
Poor physical health
Financial worries
Increased responsibilities, like being a single parent or a carer for a loved one

And then there are job stressors.

At work, it’s not unusual to feel under pressure or overwhelmed from time to time.

But if an employee is always under pressure to meet tight deadlines, doesn’t have any or enough managerial support, has an ongoing conflict with a colleague, or feels they’re being overloaded with work, these things can be very harmful to them.

This is why poor mental health is such a major cause of absenteeism and presenteeism, meaning people often take sick days and time off, or they’re at work but not able to work productively, or even much at all.

Talking about these things can be hard for many people because it makes them feel vulnerable, embarrassed, or even weak. But talking about your feelings is not a sign of weakness – it’s actually the opposite. It’s part of taking charge of your wellbeing and doing what you need to do to stay healthy – it’s actually the braver choice.

The rise of poor mental wellbeing in construction

The construction industry in the UK is facing a significant mental health crisis. Recent data reveals that construction workers are four times more likely to die by suicide than the national average, with approximately 507 suicides recorded in the sector in 2021 alone. Over the past decade, more than 7,000 construction workers have taken their own lives

Several factors contribute to this alarming trend:

Extended time away from family: Long and irregular working hours often keep workers away from their loved ones, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Physical strain: The demanding nature of construction work can lead to chronic pain and fatigue, which are closely linked to mental health issues.
Job insecurity: The prevalence of short-term contracts and the cyclical nature of construction projects can create financial instability and stress.
High-pressure environment: Tight deadlines and budget constraints contribute to a stressful work atmosphere.
Cultural stigma: A pervasive “macho culture” within the industry often discourages workers from expressing vulnerability or seeking help.

A lack of adequate mental health support within many construction firms compounds these challenges. A 2024 survey found that only 38% of construction workers reported that their employer offered helplines, and just 35% had access to Mental Health First Aiders.

It’s crucial to recognise that individuals, colleagues, friends, and family members are behind these statistics. Each life lost is a profound tragedy that affects entire communities. Addressing mental health in construction isn’t just about reducing numbers; it’s about creating a culture of openness, support, and understanding.

Recognising the warning signs of poor mental health

One of the biggest challenges when it comes to supporting mental health in the workplace is knowing when someone needs help. Often, construction workers might not speak up—either because they don’t know how, or because they feel they can’t.

That’s why it’s so important for business owners, site managers, and colleagues to be able to spot the early warning signs that someone may be struggling.

Here are some of the most common indicators to look out for:

Increased absenteeism or lateness – Frequent time off, arriving late, or leaving early can be signs that something isn’t right.
Withdrawal from colleagues – A normally sociable person becoming quiet, distant, or avoiding group activities may be isolating themselves due to poor mental health.
Irritability or mood swings – A change in temperament, whether it’s frustration, anger, or being unusually downbeat, can be a red flag.
Drop in performance or concentration – Struggling to focus, making more mistakes than usual, or missing deadlines can all point to underlying issues.
Physical signs – fatigue, headaches, or frequent minor illnesses may not just be physical problems; they can also be symptoms of emotional distress.

It’s important to remember that these signs don’t always mean someone is experiencing a mental health issue, but they are worth paying attention to. Opening up a supportive conversation, checking in regularly, and showing that you care can make a huge difference.

Ultimately, early intervention relies on building a workplace culture where people feel safe to speak up without judgment. A simple “Are you okay?” question with genuine concern can be the first step toward helping someone access the support they need.

How can you maintain support for workers to support their mental wellbeing?

It’s clear that the construction industry needs to make changes to better support its staff when it comes to mental wellbeing.

There are a number of ways employees are able to do this:

Utilising leaders

Construction organisations should place responsibilities on their leaders, such as weekly check-ins with workers or keeping an eye on each person’s workload to make sure no one is overworking. This will help to create a positive workplace culture where mental wellbeing is supported and respected.

In addition, organisations should consider putting their leaders through a mental health first aid course. This will allow them to provide the best support.

Monitor working conditions

Employers have a duty to regularly monitor their employees’ working conditions, including the stressors and risks of work-related problems. This could involve sending out regular surveys, asking for feedback or looking at workload data to see if they can pinpoint any stressor indicators when working on site.

When these triggers are identified, if they are dealt with, it will lead to fewer employees needing to face the same problems that are causing stress or burnout.

Communicate what resources are available

Businesses need to make sure that staff know what resources and options are available to them to help them through difficult times.

Resources can include helplines, Mental Health First Aiders, online support, charitable help, as well as a range of other resources that can be put in place.

Awareness training

If you want to help your employees with mental health issues they might be facing, remove the stigma surrounding mental health, or you want to provide employees with the tools to manage and maintain positive mental health, Mental Health Awareness training is essential.

Support networks to use for immediate help

If you are struggling and need immediate help, here are some supportive charities readily available to help

NHS 111: Call 111 and select the mental health option for urgent mental health support. This service is for all ages, including children and young people. They can offer advice, connect you with crisis services, or refer you to other support.
Samaritans: Call 116 123. They offer a safe place for you to talk any time, in your own way, about whatever is getting to you.
Shout: Text “SHOUT” to 85258. This is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone in the UK struggling to cope.
Mind support line: Call Mind’s support line on 0300 102 1234. This is a safe space for you to talk about your mental health. Their advisors are trained to listen to you and help you find specialist support if you need it.
Lighthouse Charity: This chairy works specifically with construction workers and their families to help through hardship and difficult times. You can call them on 0345 605 1956 or get in touch via their 24/7 support line.

Support your workers with mental health construction training from iHasco

Here at iHasco, we offer an online Mental Health Awareness in Construction Training course that helps to spread awareness of mental ill-health in the construction sector and provides employees with a wellbeing toolkit to manage day-to-day mental health, while raising awareness of some of the mental health problems people might be facing.

You can claim a free, no-obligation trial to the course today! Alternatively, you can request a bespoke quote for your organisation and a member of our team will be in touch to discuss your training requirements.