Sam Downie is managing director of Mates in Mind
Work can and should be good for us. It provides us with social interactions, creates a sense of belonging and that we are contributing to society. It motivates us, enables us to support ourselves and our families financially, and it can benefit both our physical and mental health.
However, research published by a team of Oxbridge academics in late October found that 70 per cent of site workers and 85 per cent of office workers find their jobs moderately, very, or extremely stressful. Clearly, for those working in the construction sector, the potential benefits of work described above are not always what’s being experienced by workers, so let’s think about what we can do to make a difference.
Social interaction and sense of belonging
In construction, the nature of work means that often people are working alone, or they move from team to team and job to job, making it hard to build trust and meaningful relationships.
Often workers are away from their support network, their families and home for extended periods and work long, unsociable hours due to tight deadlines. This can result in poor diet, lack of sleep, concern about relationships and not being able to undertake activities that support mental health, such as socialising with friends or exercising.
While on some projects there are well-established teams that can become close and supportive, there is often still a stigma that surrounds mental health that can prevent conversations from starting.
Finances
Construction work can be unpredictable, affected by contract terms and length, the impact of the weather, extended payment terms, increasing cost of materials and – as we’ve seen recently with ISG – the knock-on effects of the collapse of a main contractor.
On top of that, you have additional personal financial pressures.
Physical health
It will come as no surprise to those working in the construction sector that there is a danger of physical injury and/or a musculoskeletal disorder. According to research from Vitality, 50 per cent of construction workers have at least two types of musculoskeletal conditions. These can include poor or interrupted sleep; back, neck or shoulder pain; eye strain; and headaches or migraines. These can contribute to an elevated risk of workplace accidents if they affect mood, concentration, coordination or vigilance.
The Oxbridge research also found other stressors at work include lack of control, responsibility for the safety of others, and lack of communication. Cumulatively, all of the above can take their toll on workers.
However, it does not have to be this way. Work should be a force for good. There are actions, small and large, that both organisations and individuals can make to create positive change in each of the above areas and make working in construction good for workers.
For individuals – start by learning how to spot the signs of someone (including yourself) experiencing mental ill-health, such as not wanting to talk to people, using alcohol or drugs to cope with feelings, and inability to concentrate on work or complete tasks.
If you spot the signs, start a conversation – shoulder to shoulder is often easier, for example, sit side-by-side during a break. Remember that you are not expected to have any answers, but it is helpful to know where to go for help: a mental health first aider, HR, GP, NHS 111, or text BeAMate to 85258.
Letting someone know you’ve noticed they seem different and you’re concerned about them is sometimes enough to let a colleague know they’re not alone.
For businesses – start by asking how you can mitigate each of the stressors above. Ensure you pay contracts in a timely manner, talk about the importance of mental health in inductions and keep the conversations going in meetings and greetings. Buddy up new starters and subcontractors with established staff, and consider a mentoring programme to help those making strategic decisions consider the impact they have on workers’ mental health and performance.
