Ellie Jobes, HR director at commercial painting specialist Bagnalls, discusses the importance of embracing mental health support in the construction industry
Recent statistics show that mental health concerns are still rife within the construction industry, with mental ill health affecting more than 70% of the 1.2m construction workers in the UK.
In fact, those who work in the construction industry are four times more likely to take their own lives, with 7,000 suicides sadly reported within the last decade.
These findings make construction one of the deadliest professions in the UK when it comes to mental ill health.
When we consider the outdated yet enduring “boys don’t cry” culture of the construction sector, coupled with the fact that 40% of men have never spoken openly about their mental health, it becomes clear that urgent intervention is needed.
A growing number of construction companies are adopting mental health policies, fostering a more open, conversational culture and training Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAs). One such company is commercial painting specialist Bagnalls.
Why is mental health more important now than ever?
The construction industry is not unique in that the mental health of those working within it was negatively affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. A survey from Mind found that those who had struggled with their mental health before the pandemic were more likely to have been negatively affected throughout 2020 and 2021.
It is, however, experiencing its own acute crisis.
“A CIOB survey found that, during 2020, increased numbers of construction workers were dealing with mental health issues; 87% of respondents to their survey had experienced anxiety, 70% had experienced depression and 97% had experienced stress,” Jobes says.
“These statistics confirm that effective mental health support is more important than ever within our industry.”
Why mental health matters so important in the construction industry?
UK-based charity Mates in Mind found that over two-thirds of construction workers believe there is a stigma surrounding mental health that prevents them from speaking up.
Jobes explains: “Given that construction is a largely male-dominated sector – with 82% of all UK construction workers identifying as male – it’s hugely important that communicative barriers are broken down.”
With dated masculine ideals and machoism still sadly enduring in the sector, there is little surprise that suicide rates are higher among men working in this industry.
Men working in construction are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, with two construction workers dying every day from suicide.
“Modern companies must make an effort to change this culture by fostering an environment in which employees feel empowered to speak up,” Jobes says.
What mental health support should be available to people working in the construction industry?
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England exists to provide support to workplaces through adapted training and new resources.
Striving to train one in 10 people in mental health awareness and skills, the organisation aims to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and cultivate a culture in which speaking freely about your mental health is accepted.
Jobes explains: “Through the Mental Health First Aider course, members of a company or organisation can learn how to better listen, reassure and respond to people dealing with a crisis. In the male-dominated construction sector, where speaking freely about mental health can be an obstacle, it is more important than ever that colleagues are attuned to their peers’ feelings.”
If an employee still finds it difficult to talk openly with the support offered above, Wellness Action Plans like those from Mind can be a helpful alternative. This can help employers understand their staff’s needs and concerns in events where traditional verbal conversation may feel impossible.
There are many ways in which companies in this sector can help foster a more open culture.
“At Bagnalls, we offer an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), which is available to access all day, every day. Bagnalls is also expanding the number of MHFAs in the company, making it easier for members of the team to get access to the proper support,” Jobes says.
“We also have a great partnership with Andy’s Man Club. This lovely charity has previously addressed the entire workforce on the importance of speaking up about mental health issues and Bagnalls has begun to make the necessary changes to increase openness in the workplace.
“Providing proper mental health support should be a requirement for businesses in any sector, but companies working in construction have a particular responsibility. By partnering with Andy’s Man Club and training our staff members to become MHFAs, we hope to raise awareness and reduce the high suicide rate amongst people working in the construction industry.”
The post Let’s talk: Embrace workplace mental health support in the construction industry appeared first on Planning, Building & Construction Today.
