Alarming statistics

In 2019, a worrying 26 per cent of construction professionals considered taking their own lives, and shockingly, 56 per cent were employed by organisations without any mental health policies. The economic impact is also stark, with mental ill-health costing the UK economy an estimated £33 to £42 billion annually.

Men in construction, who are twice as likely as women to face mental health challenges, are less likely to seek assistance.. This reluctance to seek might be part of a broader cultural issue within the industry, where over half of UK employees, including 57 per cent of Millennials, feel uncomfortable disclosing mental health conditions. Such a culture significantly hinders workers in seeking the support they need, exacerbating their mental health struggles yet further.

A major study conducted in 2022, focussing on the mental health of self-employed construction workers and those in small firms, revealed that intense workloads, financial issues, poor work-life balance all heightened stress levels. Nearly a third of the survey respondents, encompassing various trades like bricklaying, groundwork, and plastering, reported living with elevated levels of anxiety every day.

The stigma associated with mental illness in the industry is a significant barrier, preventing many from discussing their struggles beyond close friends or family members.

Stress, anxiety, and depression accounted for 49 per cent of work-related ill-health in 2022/23, resulting in a staggering 17.1 million working days lost. The financial implications are substantial, with mental ill-health estimated to cost businesses £56 billion annually​​.

At Eden Facades we know there is a need for urgent attention on mental health in the UK construction sector, with a focus on breaking the stigma, encouraging open conversations, and implementing strong support systems within organisations.

Across the sector

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) are spearheading efforts for a consistent approach to support construction workers’ mental health. CITB’s extensive research has shown the need for a unified strategy to address mental health issues.

CITB has funded over 29,000 mental health courses since 2018. The organisation has, alongside the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity and Mental Health First Aid England, helped train over 260 Mental Health First Aid Instructors. The Building Mental Health programme has exceeded its targets, reflecting the growing awareness among employers of the need to tackle mental health issues proactively​​.

The Lighthouse Club also plays a crucial role in this endeavour. The organisation is dedicated to educating industry professionals to recognise signs and symptoms of stress, anxiety, or depression among colleagues. Their initiatives include the Building Mental Health portal, a five-step framework to create a more positive mental health culture, and Mental Health First Aid training courses​​.

The Scaling What Works programme from Movember, with its £5.7 million funding, is a fantastic effort to enhance mental health initiatives targeting young boys and men. A key supported cause is Beyond Equality’s Collective Resilience, where local facilitators lead interactive workshops.

These workshops aim to challenge traditional gender socialisation, promoting inclusive cultures that encourage men to seek help when needed. Alongside this, Rugby League Cares’ Offload programme, spearheaded by rugby league professionals, is making strides in the construction industry by building mental resilience among its workforce.

These initiatives reflect a growing recognition of the mental health challenges in the construction industry and the need for a concerted effort to address them. By developing cohesive approaches and prioritising mental health alongside physical health, the industry can create a safer, healthier, and more supportive working environment.

How Eden Facades is helping

As part of our wider ESG programme, we are addressing mental health concerns within our workforce, recognising the crucial importance of mental wellbeing. Eden Facades is creating a culture of openness and support – Tony Hill, Managing Director at Eden Facades, says:

“The statistics we read about mental health in construction are distressing. But we cannot simply write it off as something that comes with the territory. People who work in construction deserve to feel good about themselves and know they can speak to their employer about how they feel. We’re committed to prioritising the needs and welfare of our team.”

If you or anyone you know would like advice on where they can find help for mental health issues, visit Mind UK.