Even before the pandemic, the awareness of the importance of good mental health was increasing. In 2017, the World Health Organisation reported a 13% rise in mental-health conditions compared with the preceding decade, resulting in a significant effect on performance in the workplace.

So, what is causing the rise and is it possible for a transformation within the industry?

The importance of good mental health in a male dominated environment

In the construction sector, almost nine in ten workers are male, with men being twice as likely as women to experience mental health problems at work, but less likely to look for help.

Since the pandemic, the HSE has referred to work-related stress and poor mental health as a ‘crisis’, with two in five employees reporting a deterioration in their mental health, and anxiety given as the number-one reason for sick days being taken in the UK.

With an estimated cost to the UK economy of between £33 and £42 billion a year,  the effect on the bottom line has forced employers to sit up and take notice. Industry leaders have had to realise that there are significant costs, both economic and personal, if they don’t pay attention to the wellbeing of their staff.

Among other initiatives, the HSE has partnered with organisations to help employers recognise and reduce levels of stress and improve wellbeing in the workplace.

“Work-related stress and poor mental health should be treated with the same significance as risks of poor physical health and injury,” says HSE’s Chief Executive Sarah Albon, talking about their ‘Working Minds’ initiative. ‘Our campaign is focused on giving employers a clear reminder of their duties while championing reducing work-related stress and promoting good mental health at work,” she adds.

The key to progress is communication.

There is room for improvement in terms of communication: in terms of the dialogue that employers have with their workers to improve their understanding of the day-to-day challenges; and to establish a culture of openness, so that employees know they can share their concerns and discuss their options to ease any pressure they might be feeling.

At Eden Facades, we’re very clear on why looking after our employees’ mental health is so important. As our SHEQ Manager, Terry Box, points out: “We should be working towards a culture where we all look out for each other. As health and wellbeing moves higher up the agenda, as an industry we are beginning to recognise the need for a better balance between the two and put more emphasis on health.”

Looking to the future

Investment in Mental Health First Aid training, in addition to First Aid at Work training, is likely to be put in place in many organisations, alongside the establishment of regular workplace features, such as dedicated wellness days and allocated time for social gatherings in the workplace.

For example, the provision of gyms, catering facilities and meeting areas have been shown to have a significant effect on how staff feel about where they work, and rapidly improve team spirit and morale.

Also central to an employee’s sense of wellbeing is a healthy work/life balance, an important part of which is a company’s openness to the concept of flexible hours. Largely introduced as a result of the pandemic, a recent survey suggests that nearly three-quarters of workers would like remote and flexible working to continue, and it’s something we support at Eden Facades.

“It’s no coincidence that those businesses setting high standards for the treatment of their workforces, communities and supply chains are reporting stronger performance and growth,” says IOSH president Louise Hosking, of the organisation’s Catch the Wave programme.

For Hosking, there’s an ‘unstoppable wave’ forcing companies to re-examine how they operate in terms of how they treat their staff and look after their wellbeing.

This is a particular challenge for the construction industry, which not only has high levels of stress among its workforce but is also struggling to attract younger employees into the sector, the generation who are most acutely aware of the importance of their mental health. It’s an issue that leaders in the construction sector have to address if they want to correct the imbalance, and something we are very mindful of at Eden Facades.

Terry concludes: “Health and safety should be the number one priority, no matter what. At Eden Facades, we pride ourselves on putting the needs and welfare of people first and encourage our staff to engage through open dialogue and feedback. A happy workforce is a productive workforce.”

To find out more about the way we work, get in touch on 01268 744199 or email office@edenfacades.co.uk