Make Mental Health a Priority to Improve Construction Business Performance

Written by Brigade | Nov 5, 2023 7:25:42 PM

The biggest threat in the construction industry isn’t a fall or other accident on the job like you might expect. It is poor mental health. Statistics show that more construction workers die from suicide each year than every other workplace-related fatality combined in the construction industry.

The fact that construction is a male-dominated industry compounds the issue because men are also less likely to seek help for mental health issues, it is imperative that construction company employers focus on creating an environment where their employees can feel supported and comfortable discussing mental health related issues.

Adding to the mental health challenges affecting the construction industry that construction jobs have been booming lately, burnout seems pretty much inevitable. There aren’t enough workers to complete all the jobs so some may take on more hours or responsibilities. Workers often work long, irregular hours in dangerous work environments, along with the added stress of job insecurity, it is safe to say their stress levels are high.

Another important element is awareness, you can offer all the best mental health resources but if you don’t know your employee is suffering, you don’t know how you can help them. Encourage your employees to share mental health issues. They may be reluctant to share this information at first, but, if you have created a safe and understanding culture on and off work time, workers are more likely to open up.

Here are some simple ways you can support your construction workers’ mental health:

Educate
One of the most powerful tools in your toolbox to fight against mental health issues is education. Cultivating a supportive workplace environment begins with reducing the stigma around mental health. Normalize discussions and provide tools and resources to create a safe space for your employees. Empowering your workers to seek out resources is a crucial part of every company’s job.

Increase awareness
Another important element is awareness, you can offer all the best mental health resources but if you don’t know your employee is suffering, you don’t know how you can help them. Encourage your employees to share mental health issues. They may be reluctant to share this information at first, but, if you have created a safe and understanding culture on and off work time, workers are more likely to open up.

Look for the signs
Even with education and awareness, it’s likely that some challenges will go unreported. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be on the lookout. Here are some signs of serious anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts that can be easily noticed on a construction site:

Decreased productivity
Increased conflict among co-workers
Near hits, incidents and injuries
Decreased problem-solving ability
Increased tardiness and absenteeism

Empower your team to make mental health a priority.
Empower your employees to understand that whether you are the project manager, developer or cement mixer, anyone on a project site can be on the lookout and make it their responsibility to keep each other safe.

As an employer, the more you can destigmatize mental health issues, the healthier your employees can be. Your main priority should be the safety of your workers, mental health included. You can redefine the norms and cultural expectations to help normalize mental health discussions to encourage your employees to speak up about their struggles.

Remember, many construction workers never express their feelings of stress or seek any help. Chronic stress can lead to more serious physical health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, exhaustion or a decreased immune system. As a construction business employer, there are significant benefits to helping your team make mental health a priority, including a direct correlation to improved business performance. Use the tips above to help you get started improving the mental health in your construction firm.

If you need assistance with your finances for your construction firm, which can also impact mental health issues if not taken care of appropriately, please contact us.

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