Industry Focus: Building & Construction
Taking charge of Mental Health & Wellbeing
An industry that has typically often overlooked mental health and well-being is the building and construction industry. Taking care of our mental health is paramount and more relevant than ever. Due to the high-stress nature of the work and the traditionally male-dominated environment within the construction industry, mental health issues are often stigmatised.
There is much that employers can do to implement strategies to promote mental health and well-being in the workplace:
1. Create a Supportive Culture
Reduce Stigma: Foster an open culture where mental health is openly discussed without stigma. Encourage employees to share their experiences and support each other.
Leadership Training: Provide adequate and relevant training for foreman, managers and supervisors to be able to recognise signs of mental health issues and to approach conversations about mental health with empathy and confidentiality.
2. Provide Access to Resources
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Offer confidential counselling services and resources that employees can access anytime.
Mental Health First Aid: Train employees in mental health first aid so they can provide immediate support to colleagues in distress. St John’s run an excellent online Mental Health program that can be accessed by anyone.
Wellness Programs: Implement wellness programs that include stress management workshops, mindfulness sessions, and physical health activities. Many workplaces are now seeking out external providers to facilitate wellness programs on-site.
3. Promote Work-Life Balance
Flexible Work Arrangements: While a tough one within the construction industry due to the nature of the job, the ability to offer flexible working hours to help employees manage their personal and professional lives better can be supportive.
Ensure Regular Breaks Are Taken: Encourage regular breaks and ensure employees take their annual leave to prevent burnout.
4. Design a Safe and Healthy Work Environment
Safety Training: Regularly update safety training to reduce workplace accidents, which can contribute to stress and anxiety.
Ergonomics: Ensure that the physical work environment is safe and ergonomically designed to reduce physical stress and discomfort.
5. Provide Training and Development
Skills Development: Offer opportunities for professional development and career advancement to keep employees engaged and motivated.
Mental Health Training: Provide training on mental health awareness and coping strategies for all employees.
6. Encourage Physical Health
Fitness Programs: Promote physical health through fitness programs, gym memberships, or on-site exercise facilities.
Healthy Eating: Provide access to healthy food options at the workplace.
7. Regular Check-ins and Surveys
Pulse Surveys: Conduct regular surveys to gauge employee well-being and identify areas where additional support is needed.
One-on-One Meetings: Encourage managers and supervisors to have regular one-on-one meetings with their team members to check in on their well-being.
8. Peer Support Networks
Buddy Systems: Implement buddy systems where employees can support each other, especially for those new in their role or those working in high-stress jobs..
Support Groups: Create support groups for employees to discuss mental health and well-being issues in a safe environment.
9. Raise Awareness
Mental Health Days: Recognise and celebrate mental health awareness days with activities and information sessions.
Educational Materials: Provide educational materials about mental health and stress management.
10. Monitor and Adapt Initiatives
Feedback Loop: Continuously seek feedback from employees about the effectiveness of mental health initiatives and make adjustments as necessary.
Evaluate Programs: Regularly evaluate the impact of mental health programs and initiatives on employee well-being and productivity.
Strategies such as these can be implemented in the workplace to support employees better. Creating a supportive environment that prioritises mental health and well-being will help to lead a healthier, more engaged, and productive workforce.
Some great resources to support employers: