Tackling Construction's Mental Health Crisis
Tomorrow, 19th November, is International Men’s Day (IMD) and the theme for 2022 is ‘Helping men and boys’
According to worrying ONS figures, the rate of suicide is higher in the construction industry than in any other. Sadly, as a male-dominated industry, these figures correspond with the fact that men in the UK are three times more likely to die by suicide than women. However, in construction this statistic is three times higher than the national average.[i] EqualEngineers’ report also found that one in four engineers have considered suicide or self-harm. The majority of these were aged 18 to 34, suggesting that more should be done to help young engineers coming into the industry.[ii]
How can we better support integral workers like engineers and construction workers to speak out, seek help and improve their mental health?
Admittedly a difficult topic to broach, it is nevertheless vital that employers and employees are aware of just how dire the situation is, to hammer home the need for change within the industry.
Just how damaging is the ‘macho’ culture of construction?
Tragically, “1 in 3 construction workers avoid taking time off despite stress due to the shame of being judged.”[iii] The result of suppressing emotions because of stigma is dark and final – each working day, two construction workers take their own life; that’s over 700 every year.[iv] These statistics speak for the severity of the situation. The industry drastically needs to change.
So, what can be done?
The Mental Health at Work ‘toolkit’ produced by Lighthouse Club (Construction Industry Charity) offers a recommended “five step framework.”
- The first is to show ‘commitment’ by signing the ‘Building Mental Health Charter’ – while it is important to demonstrate backing, this is superficial and has little impact unless the other steps are followed too.
- Secondly, ensure that staff members are well-versed in your employee assistance programme and aware of help that is readily available to them, such as the Construction Industry Helpline accessible by phone (UK: 0345 605 1956 ROI: 1800 939 122) and via their mobile app.
- Employers should also give interactive ‘tool box talks.’ These will raise awareness about mental health, instigate conversations and explain how to recognise signs that colleagues might need support.
- Ensure that line managers and supervisors are trained to respond correctly when mental health issues are raised.
- Train 1 in 100 employees or subcontractors as certified mental health first aiders.[v]
Beyond these initial moves, individuals and companies can go further. Some already are.
For example, Mace have introduced a fantastic initiative to get people talking – in their Finsbury Square site, Moorgate, over 60 employees received free haircuts and mental health conversations with trained professionals in a company-sponsored visit from The Lions Barbers Collective. The event was arranged by Project Director Sal Capotosto, who believes it to be an industry-first. Sal Capotosto is hoping to become a Construction Ambassador for the charity The Lions Barbers Collective, which was founded in September 2015 by Tom Chapman to raise awareness for suicide prevention. Mace have plans to repeat the experience across other sites, while Sal Capotosto envisions the charity benefitting many companies and individuals in the industry.[vi]
At Wates Construction, one team have found music to help, creating a personalised playlist for the office, with tracks from when each employee was aged eleven. “This has been proven by the Happiness Institute in Denmark to encourage happy thoughts, release endorphins and it’s when we hit our musical peak.” The songs inspire conversations about the team’s memories, childhoods, and musical taste, encouraging conversation and promoting wellbeing. Furthermore, the playlist fights fatigue and builds camaraderie within the office.[vii] Inspired by this fantastic, easily implemented, and inclusive initiative, we have decided to trial this in our office, too!
Other companies have been encouraging their workforce to go for walks, something which we practise daily at Unite People. Combining the therapeutic exercise of walking with the beneficial effects of nature, walking outside (the wilder, the better) has been proven to reduce the likelihood of stress, depression, and anxiety. A staggering 70% of all adults in the UK find nature to boost their mood, while close to half (49%) say that nature helps them to cope with stress.[viii] Walking also increases energy levels, so there is added benefit to employers since workers who walk will be rejuvenated to focus better after getting some fresh air and exercise!
Stress is costing the industry, too. According to survey results from December 2021, “48% [of construction workers] have taken time off work owing to unmanageable stress” while a staggering 91% feel overwhelmed. Clearly, the current situation is becoming damaging and uncontrollable for those individuals affected, and has ramifications for colleagues, employees, and the wider industry. In fact, CCS estimate that 70 million sick days each year costs the industry between £70 billion and £100 billion.
Practically, how can additional stresses – time away from loved-ones, long hours, night shifts and tight contracts be better manged?
HSE has detected six major causes of stress at work:
- Demands – these can be managed by ensuring that the worker understands and feel able to cope with the demands of their day-today job.
- Control – this causes stress when employers feel the way that they work is out of their control, so employers should try to consider a flexible approach where possible, listening.
- Support – this is key in minimising mental health from reaching crisis point, and the first recommendation for any employer would be to adopt Lighthouse’s framework (see above).
- Relationships – it goes without saying that bullying in the workplace must not be tolerated, however it is worth making the time for team-bonding and social events so that relationships in the workplace can flourish.
- Ambiguous roles often cause work stress. Perhaps these can be outlined clearly in writing so that the worker has a reference point, and feels less lost.
- Change. Workers bear the brunt of a business undergoing change. Be open and explain how changes will affect employees, minimising stress and preparing them ahead of change.[ix]
Searching for useful resources to share? Look no further –
Lighthouse Club is a charity which provides support – financial and emotional – to construction industry workers and their families. They have a 24-hour Helpline alongside funded training and educational initiatives. For example, Lighthouse has created a free app, available for download on Apple App Store and Google Play Store, bringing help straight to your phone screen. The charity have also produced helpline packs of posters and cards to help spread the word in your place of work.
Find a club in your area here: https://www.lighthouseclub.org/find-a-club
For further information, click here: https://www.lighthouseclub.org/
CITB have also organised a programme of funded training, which enables people to become Mental Health First Aid Instructors, specialising in construction. Employers who are registered with CITB can claim grants to pay for short training courses.
Interested? Click here: https://www.citb.co.uk/levy-grants-and-funding/grants-and-funding/short-course-grants/
The Considerate Constructors Scheme ‘Best Practice Hub’ promotes safe working and physical and mental wellbeing at work, producing invaluable resources such as the ‘Managing Stress at Work Policy Template.’ They have recently published a ‘Spotlight on mental health’ which you can read here: https://ccsbestpractice.org.uk/spotlight-on/mental-health/#Introduction
[i] James Garbett, “Mental Health in UK Construction: The Statistics,” Mates in Mind, https://www.matesinmind.org/news/mental-health-in-uk-construction-the-statistics 16 Feb 2022.
[ii] Catherine Moore, “World Mental Health Day: One in four engineers have considered suicide or self-harm,” New Civil Engineer, https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/world-mental-health-day-one-in-four-engineers-have-considered-suicide-or-self-harm-10-10-2022/ 10 Oct 2022.
[iii] “Spotlight on Mental Health,” Considerate Constructors Scheme Best Practice Hub, https://ccsbestpractice.org.uk/spotlight-on/mental-health/#Introduction
[iv] Survey Results, Mates in Mind, https://www.matesinmind.org/news/mental-health-in-uk-construction-the-statistics Dec 2021.
[v] Lighthouse Club, https://www.lighthouseclub.org/building-mental-health/
[vi] Grant Prior, “Mace workers get free haircuts and mental health chats,” Construction Enquirer, https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2022/06/01/mace-workers-get-free-haircuts-and-mental-health-chat/ 1 Jun 2022.
[vii] Denise Southard, “Happiness Playlist” https://ccsbestpractice.org.uk/entries/happiness-playlist/ 5 May 2021.
[viii] Fatmata Kamara, “Walking in nature: the positive effects on your mental health,” BUPA, https://www.bupa.co.uk/newsroom/ourviews/walking-nature-mental-health 12 May 2021
[ix] Work-related stress and how to manage it,” Health and Safety Executive, https://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/causes.htm
