Almost a quarter of construction workers are considering leaving the industry due to mental health related problems, research has found.
According to a survey carried out by Randstad Construction, 73% of construction workers also feel that their employers do not recognise the early signs of mental health deterioration.
Mental health related illness in the workplace can be triggered through many reasons – excessive workloads, lack of support and a shortage of rest brought about by checking work mobile phones outside of working hours.
It is costing businesses and the UK economy billions of pounds each year, but it can also cause problems, such as: loss of productivity, damaging relationships with clients and team members, and serious mistakes that result in financial implications.
Construction is already facing a recruitment and skills crisis, with forecasts from CITB predicting 158,000 jobs will need to be created during the next 5-years. Attracting young, talented people to take up a career in the construction industry and encouraging experienced professionals back following the recession and redundancy, is a significant challenge. Retaining existing employees and creating an industry that really does care about its staff is just as important if we are going to become one of the leading industries people choose to work in.
Mental health doesn’t discriminate. It can affect anyone in any walk of life, from any background and working in any industry. Collectively – we need to lead on making mental health free of stigma in modern workplace, rather than playing catch-up with other sectors.
At M. Lambe Construction, we are tackling the stigma of mental health in the workplace head on. We’ve launched a mental health awareness campaign designed to make staff feel that they will not be judged for having a mental health condition, and know that we will be there to support them.
Highlighting the symptoms to our team, like: excessive worrying or fear, excessively sad or ‘low’ feelings, confusion or problems concentrating and changes to sleep/eating habits, is just as important.
We are providing everyone with the tools to be able to identify the early signs of mental health deterioration in themselves or in a colleague, and where they can go to seek help and assistance.
If your mental or emotional state quickly gets worse, or you’re worried about someone you know – help is available.
Mind UK: 0300 123 3393 or text 86463
NHS Advice: 111