Mental Health in Construction Industry

Mental health is one of the most urgent challenges facing the country, and the construction sector is no different.

In fact, research consistently shows that construction workers are much more susceptible to mental health struggles compared to the wider population. Statistics show:

• 94% of construction workers report feeling stressed
• 83% of construction workers report feeling anxiety
• 60% of construction workers report feeling depressed

The scale of mental health in the construction industry is influenced by a wide range of factors and the issue should not be understated. Many workers operate in high-pressure environments where deadlines, safety risks and job security combine to create significant emotional strain.

At Contractwise, we aim to remove one pressure from construction workers, protecting contractors and subcontractors with a range of CIS compliance services. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at mental health in the construction industry and what you can do to make sure the wellbeing of your team is being looked after.

Read on for more information…  
 

Why is mental health a particular problem in construction?

• Long hours: Construction projects often involve early starts and late finishes. These long hours can lead to burnout and reduced time for proper rest and recovery. Research shows that long working hours are one of the biggest factors that contribute to poor wellbeing for those working in construction.  
• Demanding workloads: Construction work is physically demanding, with workers having to manage safety risks, technical challenges and tight deadlines all at once. The constant pressure of these things can cause burnout.  
• Job insecurity: Many construction workers rely on short-term contracts or project work. This creates uncertainty about their future income and employment, which can take its toll on mental health.  
• Unstable income: Late payments and unpredictable projects can create uncertainty over income. This can cause financial anxiety, especially if payments are delayed for whatever reason.  
• Working away from home: Many workers have to travel long distances or stay away from their families for extended periods of time. This can cause isolation and loneliness, which are major mental health issues.  
• Pressure to meet deadlines: Construction projects are highly time-sensitive. Workers can often feel pressure to deliver on time and within budget. This creates chronic stress and anxiety, especially on large or complex projects.  
• Hazardous tasks: Construction work involves high-risk activities and constant awareness of health and safety. This means workers always need to stay alert around dangerous equipment. Over time, this can increase mental strain.
• A ‘macho’ culture: The construction sector is traditionally male-dominated, where a ‘macho’ culture is in place, which often discourages vulnerability. As a result, many workers feel uncomfortable discussing mental health concerns, and this culture can prevent people from seeking help until a problem has become more severe.    
• Poor work-life balance:  Irregular hours, travel requirements and strict project deadlines can make maintaining a healthy work-life balance difficult. This poor balance can lead to strain and burnout.

Signs of poor mental health

Here are some signs to look out for that may indicate members of your team are struggling with their mental health:

• Changes in mood: Workers might become more irritable and withdrawn if struggling with their mental health. If people are frequently in a low mood or angry, it can be a warning sign of a deeper issue.
• Declining work performance: Poor concentration and reduced motivation are symptoms of mental health conditions, and this can result in lower-quality output. Research shows that many construction workers experience poor concentration when struggling with their mental health.
• Increased lateness or absences: Frequent lateness or increased absence can indicate mental health challenges. These behaviours are often linked to stress or burnout.
• Social withdrawal: Workers struggling with their mental health may cause colleagues to stop socialising or engaging with others.  

How to improve mental health in the construction industry?

There are a whole host of ways you can help support people with mental health issues in the construction industry. This includes:

• Set up support networks: Support groups can help support those suffering from their mental health. There are many industry charities that provide dedicated mental health resources that you can make the most of.
• Employers should be proactive: Employers and contractors should be actively monitoring workload levels and make sure people feel comfortable discussing their wellbeing. Many firms still lack formal mental health policies.  
  Understand that mental health is as important as physical health - Historically, the industry has prioritised physical safety and neglected mental health. Both things need to be treated with equal importance. Poor mental health also increases the risk of accidents so both types of health go hand in hand.
• Offer training: Mental health awareness training will help workers recognise warning signs in both themselves and colleagues. Training also helps managers to support workers effectively and reduce stigma.  
• Help maintain a work-life balance: Encouraging reasonable working hours and flexible scheduling can help improve wellbeing. Reducing excessive hours gives people the opportunity to significantly lower stress levels.  
• Create an open culture: Encourage open conversations to help workers feel safe and comfortable if they need to seek support. Changing the culture of your organisation is the most important thing you can do to reduce stigma and encourage early intervention.  

Improving mental health in the construction industry is essential for protecting workers and maintaining productivity on a site. The sector faces unique pressures compared to other industries, including financial uncertainty, demanding workloads and cultural barriers that can all contribute to widespread mental health issues.

Addressing these mental health problems requires collaboration between employers and workers alike, and one area in which Contractwise can support is CIS compliance. We offer a wide range of services, including payroll audits that eliminate the risk of HMRC reclassification. This helps create stability in an industry where uncertainty can significantly impact wellbeing. By prioritising mental health alongside safety and productivity, the construction industry can create a healthier environment for its entire workforce. For more information on how we can help keep you compliant with all your CIS obligations, get in touch with our expert team today.