Construction is a job that means constant deadlines, milestones and pressure. The expectations and the physical demands of the job can all take their toll on mental wellbeing.
So, if you’re working in the construction sector and you’re feeling stressed, you're not alone. Recent employment data shows that construction workers are three-times more likely to experience anxiety and depression than the average worker. But there are things you can do to promote and protect your mental wellbeing on the job.
The UK construction industry is an important sector to the UK’s economy. And it's only going to become more vital in the years to come. But what you might not know, is that this sector is also one of the most high-stress and high-risk industries in the country.
The combination of tight deadlines, physical demands, and the ever-present risk of injury or death can take a toll on workers' mental wellbeing. In fact, recent studies have shown that construction workers are more likely to suffer from mental health pressures such as depression and anxiety than those in any other industry.
Here are five brilliant tips that can help you stay mentally healthy and resilient if you’re working in construction. Check them out:
Identifying Potential Stressors
Many of the potential stressors in construction are obvious - working long hours under stressful conditions, being away from family and friends for long periods of time, and dealing with challenging and dangerous work environments, to name a few.
But there are also some potential stressors that are not so easily identifiable. These include the pressure to meet deadlines, working in extreme weather conditions, and feeling like you're not good enough or don't know enough.
It's important to be aware of these potential stressors and take steps to mitigate them before they cause problems. For example, you can try to schedule regular breaks during your work day, take time for yourself after work or on weekends to relax and recharge, and reach out to your colleagues for support when you're feeling overwhelmed.
Establishing Positive Communication Practices
It's important to establish positive communication practices in your work environment. This helps to create a mentally healthy workspace for everyone.
When you're feeling good, you're more likely to be productive and creative. You will also be more pleasant to be around, and this will encourage others to adopt the same positive attitude.
Some ways you can establish positive communication practices include:
- Schedule regular check-ins with your team
- Active listening - really listen to what colleagues are saying when they answer your questions
- Encourage people to speak up if they're feeling stressed or overwhelmed
- Celebrate successes together as a whole team
Implementing Strategies for Mental Wellbeing
As well as the obvious strategies like encouraging regular breaks and making sure that communication between management and employees is clear, what other strategies can a construction business put in place to safeguard employee wellbeing?
Physical activity is a key pillar to wellbeing so encouraging employees to engage in a stress-busting activity is something businesses of all sizes can get behind. This could be something as simple as taking a walk during a break or participating in a company-sponsored sports team.
And because a healthy body leads to a healthy mind, employees can be encouraged to eat healthy and drink plenty of water.
Small stresses can build into significant overload and the warning signs of workplace stress are not always easy to spot. We advocate strongly for a workplace programme that gives employees access to mental wellbeing tools and resources. And when stress is acute, localised or specialised help, such as therapists in the area, should be signposted to.
Managing Mental Wellbeing Pressures of Construction Workers
There are a few practical things you can do to make sure you're working in compliance with safety regulations. First, make sure you're familiar with the regulations that apply to your specific trade. Second, always follow the safety procedures that have been put in place by your employer. If you're not sure what these are, ask a supervisor or another experienced worker.
And finally, always use the proper safety equipment when working – gloves, goggles, and respirators, for example.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that you're working safely and in compliance with all applicable regulations.
Sustainable Mental Wellbeing Within Construction
Within the construction industry, it is essential to understand and promote sustainable mental wellbeing. Here is a reminder of our five tips to do just that:
Number one of our list is always to educate employees on the signs and symptoms of mental health issues and how to seek help.
Promote a healthy work-life balance and encourage employees to take breaks and use their vacation days.
Support employees who are struggling with mental health issues and connect them with resources like employee assistance programs.
Create a culture of open communication where employees feel comfortable speaking up about their mental wellbeing.
Make your workplace somewhere that fosters a culture of respect and inclusion, where all employees feel valued and supported.
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