Mental Health Awareness Week: Looking After Minds on Site
Content Warning: This article discusses mental illness, addiction, self-harm, and suicide. For support on any of the issues raised, please visit the NHS website.
Working on a construction site can be demanding both physically and mentally. The days can be long, and pressures to meet tight deadlines can pile up. That’s why Mental Health Awareness Week is so important. It’s a powerful reminder that looking after mental health isn’t something to push aside.
In our trade, mental health can end up being overlooked, but we believe it should be right at the forefront of discussions about staff wellbeing. Recognising the signs of poor mental health in the workplace and addressing issues early on can help prevent more serious problems down the line.
Why Mental Health Matters On-Site
Issues like stress, anxiety, and depression affect personal wellbeing, and they can have a negative impact on the overall morale of your colleagues. When mental health is supported, everybody benefits.
Yet, despite increasing awareness, there’s still a stigma attached to discussing mental health in our sector. The typical mindset of ‘toughing it out’ or the idea that talking openly about stress is a sign of weakness is unfortunately still there. Partially as a result of these attitudes, instances of self-harm, addiction, and suicide are still high in the construction sector. These are issues that severely damage the lives of both those suffering from the conditions as well as their families, friends, colleagues, and loved ones.
It’s absolutely crucial that we do everything we can to change this perception and encourage more open conversations. Mental Health Awareness Week provides the perfect opportunity to do just that.
Spotting the Signs
It can be difficult to know what to look for, especially when people often hide their struggles. Some common signs that someone might be having a tough time include becoming withdrawn, changes in mood or behaviour, or increased irritability. You might notice a workmate isn’t quite themselves – maybe they’re quieter than usual or struggling to focus. Picking up on signs like this early can make a big difference.
How to Support Mental Health in the Workplace
Encourage Regular Breaks
One of the most common reasons for poor mental health in the workplace is burnout. Regular breaks aren’t just important for physical recovery, but for mental recovery too. They recharge energy and can reduce stress levels a lot. Encourage your team to step away from the job for brief periods throughout the day.
Promote Work-Life Balance
Achieving a healthy work-life balance is essential for mental wellbeing. Think about the shift patterns, workloads, and deadlines you and your team are working to and where you can try to be flexible. Workers who feel their personal lives are respected are less likely to suffer from mental health problems.
Training and Resources
Providing training can equip your team with the skills they need to recognise mental health issues in themselves and others. Training programmes focused on mental health awareness help reduce the stigma and give practical strategies for support. Offering resources like access to counselling services or mental health helplines can make a big difference.
Lead by Example
Managers and supervisors play a key role. When those in leadership roles openly discuss mental health and demonstrate their commitment, it sets a positive example. Staff are more likely to open up when they see senior figures doing the same.
A Change of Culture and Environment
Supporting mental health on-site isn’t a one-off action but something that needs ongoing effort and a change in attitude across the board. Small steps can make a big difference. Simply asking a colleague how they’re feeling or offering a listening ear can be hugely beneficial. Encouraging openness helps to build a stronger, more resilient team who can better manage pressures and are less likely to suffer from long-term mental health problems.
How We’re Doing Our Bit at ITS
At ITS, we take mental health seriously because we’ve seen first-hand how much it matters in construction. With suicide rates in the industry still alarmingly high, we’re doing everything we can to create a safer, more supportive working environment.
That starts with stability.
Research shows that a solid job, regular income, and the chance to build workplace relationships play a vital role in positive mental wellbeing. But we don’t stop there. We’ve rolled out mental health training and appointed company ambassadors who champion awareness across the business. We also partner with national mental health initiatives and construction-focused charities, so our team stays clued up on the issues and equipped to support where it’s most needed.
Our commitment extends to the next generation.
We work closely with colleges, employment schemes, and youth organisations to give young people a better understanding of what construction work really looks like and how to take care of themselves in it. We’ve even got stuck in with fundraising efforts, supported nominated charities, and raised money as a team.
To find out more about the way we support mental health awareness and action in the construction sector, click here. Or get in touch with us with any questions.
FAQs
What is Mental Health Awareness Week?
Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event that highlights the importance of mental health and promotes discussions about mental wellbeing.
Why is mental health particularly important in construction?
Construction involves high-pressure environments, physical demands, and long hours. These can significantly affect mental wellbeing, so it’s vital to prioritise mental health in the industry.
How can I spot mental health issues early?
Look for changes in behaviour, mood swings, withdrawal from colleagues, difficulty concentrating, and signs of fatigue or anxiety.
What are some simple ways to encourage open mental health conversations?
Creating safe spaces for conversations, holding regular check-ins, and openly discussing mental wellbeing in meetings.
