What Can the US Construction Industry Do to Support Mental Health
The pandemic and widespread supply chain shortages have exacerbated stressful conditions for many construction clients and their staff in an industry that can be deadline-oriented even in the best of times.
Workers are overworked. They're worried about their jobs and their capacity to support their families. Longer work hours and back-to-back shifts increase the chance of injury, and Covid-19 is still a concern.
But there is reason to be optimistic. Companies are increasingly providing resources to assist employees in better managing stress. Conversations are taking place to encourage employees to speak out if they are struggling to cope. Change takes time and effort, but it is possible.
It's critical to consider the current state of the construction industry. Then, recommendations for how businesses may help their employees stay psychologically and physically well can be discussed. Mental health awareness must come from the top down, and management must take it seriously. The future of employee well-being within the industry looks considerably brighter if you take the necessary steps today.
Construction's Mental Health Situation
More than 2 years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, construction companies are as busy as ever.
The market for residential construction is booming. Its commercial equivalent is dealing with supply chain issues that are driving up construction prices and making fulfilling deadlines more difficult. Employees are under a lot of pressure to accomplish more work in less time because of labour shortages.
These circumstances combine to create a profession with one of the highest suicide rates of any. According to a press release from the CDC in 2020, the suicide rate for males in the construction industry is about twice that of working men in other civilian sectors.
Many workers are facing mental health issues that are working away on them every day, often without anyone else realising it.
The world, however, is changing. Conversations about mental health are no longer considered taboo.
Companies are realising the value of providing employees with resources to help them manage their mental health and stress levels. They now recognise that supporting employees with their mental health will result in healthier lifestyles and improve long-term retention, and that a more positive attitude on the job can assist in reducing the amount of absence through mental ill health.
They recognise that supporting employees with their mental health will result in healthier lifestyles and improve long-term retention. A more positive attitude on the job can assist in reducing the amount of absence through ill health.
How Can Contractors Support Employees?
In white-collar work environments, mental health resources and discussions are commonplace. However, construction is distinct for a variety of reasons. Because it is such a male dominated industry it is assumed that people working in construction are "tough", it might be difficult to determine who needs assistance if employees do not self-present. As a result, it is even more critical for managers to be watchful.
It all starts with a discussion, ideally over a tailgate or toolbox meeting. Supervisors must address mental health issues and provide support to employees. Make it a habit to include it in their daily meetings.
Companies should put in place tangible strategies to encourage behaviour that helps reduce stress:
Insist on scheduled breaks to allow staff to take a mental and physical break from their current tasks to avoid burnout.
Check in regularly for informal chats and encourage employees to open up about any concerns with their workload and discuss what can be done to support them.
Encourage family time, and ensure employees are using all of their vacation time to take a break from the pressures of work
What may appear inconsequential can be a welcome distraction and divert attention away from an issue at just the right time.
Management Must Make Mental Health a Priority
Mental health isn't quantifiable in the same way that near-misses or falls are. As a result, it's difficult for senior management to recognise the impact of mental health on their teams.
However, if construction managers want to continue influencing people's minds about mental health, they must make it a priority. Workers should be able to talk to someone about their mental health issues if they want to.
Employers can make a significant difference by providing programmes and benefits that assist employees live healthy lifestyles, such as:
Exercise can improve mental health considerably so encourage physical activity by developing wellness programs.
Create an employee assistance program with easy access to mental health professionals for all staff.
Implementing a reward system for positive behaviors.
People will appreciate their employer more if they feel valued. Building trust with an employee is a key component of this relationship. To be able to trust someone, you must be able to communicate.
The CDC suggests discussing how the pandemic affects jobs and what's going on in the company in updated guidelines for construction firms. Employees are less stressed when they are aware of what is going on.
The Future for Mental Health in Construction
Mental health is becoming a more mainstream topic in every industry. Business leaders, HR personnel, and safety managers are all aware of the need for assistance. To ensure an improvement companies must be proactive in putting systems in place to support the mental wellbeing of the workforce.
Safety technology will also play an important role not just in minimising occurrences, but also in promoting mental health awareness.
In the construction business, there are numerous signs that mental health will be prioritised going forward. We will see employees live more balanced lives and no longer struggle in silence as more construction sector firms address it and offer support.
OSHA and other organisations, such as the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CSAP), offer services to help employers and construction employees deal with mental health issues and, as a result, reduce suicide rates.
For more insights on the challenges facing the construction industry please check out our other blogs, or get in touch to discuss the challenges you are facing as an employer in the industry: getus@jamesgrayrecruitment.com