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.
Several contributing factors compound the problem. High-stress environments driven by tight deadlines, demanding physical labour, and unpredictable project conditions can take a serious toll on workers’ mental health. Long hours and job insecurity, stemming from the transient nature of construction work, add further anxiety and stress.
A deeply ingrained “tough guy” culture also plays a significant role, as it discourages open discussions about emotions and mental health, fostering stigma and isolation instead. Additionally, the physically demanding nature of the work often leads to chronic pain and injuries, which can further impact mental well-being. Many workers also face isolation when stationed on remote sites, which can deepen feelings of loneliness and disconnection.
Together, these elements create a perfect storm in which mental health struggles can intensify and, tragically, contribute to the disproportionately high rates of suicide seen in the construction 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 is needed is a multi-faceted approach involving openly discussing mental health and creating a culture where it is okay to ask for help.
Providing training and education equips managers and employees with the knowledge to recognise and address mental health issues. Promoting work-life balance by encouraging reasonable working hours and flexible arrangements is also vital. Creating supportive environments through peer support networks and access to resources can make a big difference.
Raising awareness by supporting charities and groups working to improve mental health in the industry is another important step. Finally, leadership from the top is essential, as company leaders must prioritise mental health and set 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, please get in touch.
