Although physical safety is often emphasized in the construction industry, mental well-being is just as crucial to prioritize. In fact, the 2021 National Health Interview Survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that 30.7% of the surveyed construction workers felt anxious at least once per month, and 9.3% felt depressed at least once per month. Tragically, construction also has one of the highest suicide rates among workers of any industry; over 5,000 construction workers die by suicide each year, according to the CDC.
Considering these statistics, it’s vital for employers to take action to promote mental health among their construction employees.
What Causes Poor Mental Health in Construction?
The construction industry has a high number of mental health issues due to several factors, including:
- Long working hours
- Jobsite safety risks and injuries
- Challenging work conditions (e.g., heat and cold)
- Work environments where seeking help is negatively viewed
- Demanding physical labor and chronic pain
- Seasonal work leading to financial uncertainty
- Deadline-driven work causing stress
- Poor work-life balance
How to Promote Employee Mental Health
Employers in the construction industry can implement several measures to improve mental health and well-being within their organizations. They can consider the following strategies:
- Educate employees. This should include regular mental health education and stress management training for all workers. Education could be provided through multiple mechanisms, including toolbox talks, emails, posters and newsletters. Additionally, education for leadership on how to recognize, discuss and address mental health issues within their teams can be beneficial.
- Provide access to mental health resources. Construction employers should provide access to mental health resources, including employee assistance programs, counseling, support groups, and contact information for mental health professionals and the suicide crisis lifeline. They could also encourage proper sleep hygiene, stress-relief and relaxation techniques (e.g., deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness and meditation), and physical activities (e.g., exercise, stretching and strength-building). Such activities could be provided individually or in group or class settings.
- Foster a culture that promotes seeking assistance. Workers who are struggling with mental health issues should be encouraged to communicate about it and ask for help. By normalizing conversations about mental health, employers can help break down barriers to seeking support.
- Reduce work-related stressors. Taking steps to create safer jobsites and scheduling in a manner that promotes a work-life balance can improve mental health. Additionally, ensuring leaders model appropriate behavior and build a positive work environment that is free of harassment is key to reducing work-related stressors.
- Conduct regular mental health program evaluations. Consistent analysis of mental health programs can allow employers to learn about and address the evolving needs of workers. Gathering regular feedback through surveys, focus groups and individual consultations can ensure these programs remain relevant, effective and accessible.
Construction employers can improve the mental health of their workers with effective strategies. These efforts demonstrate to employees their employers support them and can help them address issues that may arise; in turn, employers may benefit from increased employee satisfaction and productivity.
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