Stress, depression and anxiety are the second biggest cause of work-related ill health in the construction industry. The earlier this problem is tackled, the less impact it will have on your workers and your business. Taking positive action can help to create a more engaged workforce, boost productivity and save money.

This toolkit is aimed at small businesses with a regular workforce (employed and contracted) who want to start looking at this issue.

Construction Talking Toolkit 

We know that running a business in construction can be stressful with long hours, juggling intense workloads. Working Minds campaign partner, Mates in Mind, has recently reported that their research revealed a third of construction workers now suffer with anxiety and that within the small, micro and sole trader businesses in construction – workplace stress is being felt like never before. You can register for Mates in Mind’s webinar on their research findings here. 

Managing director at Mates in Mind Sarah Meek said: “The mental health challenge, particularly related around workplace stress is really important to discuss. The impacts of work-related stress are significant and can affect anyone at any time, but they’re still not consistently approached and addressed in workplaces across construction. Many people are leaving their jobs across construction each year due to mental health reasons.

“We can only exceed in helping organisations better identify, understand and address the drivers of stresses at work by working together, creating greater consistency and clarity, so we’re very proud to be working alongside the HSE in this campaign.”

For specific advice on stress and mental health for those working in the construction sector visit: Mates in Mind or you may wish to download their managing and reducing workplace stress handbook. You can also read Sarah Meek’s blog here: How are you really? 

Alasdair Reisner, Chief Executive at Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), a Working Minds campaign partner, said: “We should care about the people that we work with and our colleagues but also about the people in the communities in which we work. We want to play our part in delivering that change and we know we can do that most effectively by working with other organisations.”

Signpost support

If people you work with are experiencing stress, they should be encouraged to talk to someone, whether it’s a manager, their trade union representative, GP or an occupational health team. The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity also provides free support services to any construction worker or their family including;

24/7 Construction Industry Helpline, call 0345 605 1956
Text HARDHAT to 85258 f you’re uncomfortable talking and would rather text
Free Construction Industry Helpline mobile app.

Trigger warning: please note, the following video includes mention of suicide and may be upsetting.