Did you know that in the UK alone, approximately 700 construction workers tragically take their own lives each year? That’s an average of two lives lost every single day—a sobering statistic that demands our attention and action.

This grim reality underscores the profound impact of mental health challenges within the construction industry. Despite the industry’s robust nature, there are unique factors exacerbating this issue, including:

1. Male-Dominated Culture: Steeped in outdated notions of toughness, the male-dominated construction industry often stigmatises discussions around mental health, perpetuating a culture of silence and suffering.
2. Physical Demands and High-Risk Environments: The demanding physical nature of construction work, coupled with high-risk environments, can exact a toll on workers’ physical and mental well-being.
3. Long Working Hours and Job Insecurity: Extended work hours and fluctuating job stability contribute to stress and financial insecurity, further amplifying mental health challenges.

But as leaders in the business community, we have a responsibility to enact positive change. Here are three areas where we can focus our efforts:

1. Raise Awareness and Educate: By increasing awareness and educating our teams about mental health challenges and the signs of burnout, we can help dismantle the stigma and encourage early intervention.
2. Regular Check-ins: Establishing a system of monthly check-ins between managers and team members provides a valuable opportunity to address wellbeing concerns and offer support where needed.
3. Promote Work-Life Balance: Prioritising work-life balance not only enhances employee wellbeing but also boosts productivity and morale. Companies should strive to limit excessive overtime and foster a culture that values mental wellness.

While providing access to wellness resources like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) may not always be feasible for small businesses, there are numerous free resources available in the UK, including:

• Mind: Offering a wealth of resources and support, including information on mental health conditions and access to their confidential Infoline.
• Samaritans: Operating a helpline available 24/7, Samaritans provide confidential emotional support to those in need.
• CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): Focused on preventing male suicide, CALM offers support through a helpline and webchat.
• Headspace: An app featuring guided meditation and mindfulness exercises, Headspace is a valuable tool for stress reduction.
• Woebot: A free app utilizing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques to assist with stress, anxiety, and depression.

Together, let’s prioritise the wellbeing of our workforce and break the silence surrounding mental health. By fostering a culture of support and understanding, we can create safer, healthier workplaces and help prevent tragedies before they occur. Join us in our mission to enhance wellbeing within the construction industry and beyond. Together, we can make a difference.

Download our guide to improving employee wellbeing here: https://hausofhr.com/improve-employees-mental-health

Contact us 01604 261380 or email: info@hausofhr.com.